Call for Research Proposals
Current Status: Open
Type: National Led Research Projects
Process: Two stage; expression of interest followed by full proposal
We invite proposals from academic and research organisations located in Indonesia, Thailand or Vietnam to submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to undertake funded research that addresses the research priorities outlined below. EOIs that meet the published criteria will be given feedback and further guidance and invited to submit a full proposal.
Countries: Thailand and Vietnam
Project timeline: Projects should be implemented between 6 to 12 months
Budget: Up to £20,000
Focused species: Commercial farmed fish only, with significant contribution to local and international markets. No Crustaceans.
What type of projects are we looking to fund?
1. Small Practical Fish Welfare Intervention (Practical Solution Research) in commercial contexts focused on:
Edible Fish
Humane harvesting processes: e.g. practices which may reduce stress and other welfare issues caused by different harvesting processes.
Humane slaughter: e.g. best practices to stun and kill the fish across markets and species.
Transport of live commercial fish to markets or processing plants: e.g. best practices to reduce stress and other welfare issues during transportation.
Live animal holding systems in markets: e.g. develop best fish holding systems in markets to reduce stress and other welfare issues.
Operational Welfare Indicators (OWI): e.g. develop operational welfare indicators where they are undeveloped.
Ornamental fish
Best practices to improve welfare outcomes of commercial systems.
2. Participatory research into behaviour changes
Communicating fish welfare issues: e.g. Identify best methods to communicate fish welfare improvements and support behaviour changes.
Religions and beliefs: e.g. understand the impact on fish welfare outcomes.
Which type of partnerships are we looking for?
We are looking for projects led by academic organisations from the relevant country (Vietnam or Thailand) that also involve at least one other local organisation, and we encourage the involvement of an international partner. Partner organisations may include academic, research organisation, commercial, NGO etc.
Countries: Indonesia
Project timeline: Projects should be implemented between 6 to 12 months
Budget: Up to £20,000
Focused species: Commercial farmed fish and Crustaceans, and with significant contribution to local and international markets.
What type of projects are we looking to fund?
1. Participatory research
Narrative, Perception and behaviour: e.g. Understanding current narrative and perceptions of fish welfare in Indonesia; Assess how religious beliefs impact on fish welfare improvement
Farmed fish welfare issues: e.g. Identify and map opportunities for improved welfare across key value chains in Indonesia
Which type of partnerships are we looking for?
We are looking for projects led by academic organisations from the relevant country (Indonesia) that also involve at least one other local organisation, and we encourage the involvement of an international partner. Partner organisations may include academic, research organisation, commercial, NGO etc.
Deadlines:
Expressions of Interest: Must be submitted by 2nd March 2026 (Thailand), or 16th March 2026 (Indonesia & Vietnam*)
Full Proposals (following feedback): Must be submittd by 13th April 2026 (Thailand), or 30th April 2026 (Indonesia & Vietnam*)
Expressions of Interest should be submitted using the Microsoft Word form, linked below. Full information concerning due diligence and contracting will be provided prior to preparation of full proposals. You are strongly advised to make use of the project concept development template (which is also linked below) to help with structuring the proposal, and to prompt consideration of relevant stakeholders, outputs and desired impact.
*NB: Deadline dates for Vietnam adjusted on 14/02/2026
Use the following links to access details of previous calls under the “Improving Fish Welfare in Asia” project:
First Call for Research Project Proposals - Archived Page