Second call for research project proposals

With financial support from Open Philanthropy, the Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling is conducting a two-year project to research and support interventions to the farming, transport and slaughter of fish and other aquatic animals in Asia. As part of this, it is inviting collaborative proposals from academics and others (e.g. NGOs, companies, public and private research institutions, retailers, associations) located in Thailand and Vietnam, for short research projects (6 months duration) which meet the objectives and criteria set out in this call for proposals.

Proposals are invited for research that addresses one of the following:

1. Practical research aimed at improving aquatic animal welfare during harvesting, transport, live animals holding systems and slaughter. Examples of research areas may include stunning and killing methods; farming, handling and transportation methods; development of new species specific operational welfare assessment methods; validation of welfare indicators; interaction of welfare and food safety; interaction of welfare and other sustainability areas (e.g. social, economic, environmental).

2. Research into how to better communicate fish welfare issues to Thai and Vietnamese communities. For instance, research on engagement/communication strategies on welfare issues and improvements. Example of research areas may include the use of digital/online technologies and offline methods.

Projects should be led by a university or research organisation based in Thailand or Vietnam and involve partners from the commercial or business sectors as appropriate. The involvement of partners from outside of Thailand and Vietnam is also encouraged. Projects involving collaboration between Thailand and Vietnam are welcome, but in general, projects are only expected to focus on one of the two target countries.

For guidance it is anticipated that around six projects will be funded for objective (1) and four projects for objective (2) at a funding level of around GBP16,000 each. However, the Selection Panel will be seeking to make best use of the funds and may approve a high quality project above this guideline, and would certainly consider funding a greater number of smaller projects where these could yield valuable data and insights.

To support applicants we held an online meeting on 24th January (see below) to provide further information and facilitate discussion. We are also inviting potential applicants to submit a short concept note before 31st January for constructive feedback prior to preparation of the full application. A suggested template to use for concept development is available here.

Important Dates (TO BE FINALISED):

8 January 2024 – Opening of Call for Research Proposals

24 January 2024 - Online Sandpit for potential applicants

31 January 2024 - Deadline for submission of initial concept notes (optional)

8 February 2024 - Feedback on initial concept notes (where applicable)

12 February 2024 - Confirmation of intention to submit requested

29 February 2024 – Deadline for submission of applications

April 2024 – Preliminary notification of outcome to applicants

May 2024 – Target date for finalisation of contract documents and start of research

November 2024 – Expected completion date for research

December 2024 – Deadline for submission of final report and expense statements

January 2025 – Expected final payments

Please note that the University of Stirling will conduct due diligence on all contracted partners. As this is a time-consuming process, as part of the application process we will require lead and international organisations to complete and submit a due diligence questionnaire with the application form. Potential applicants can prepare for this immediately as the University uses a slightly modified version of the UKRI due diligence form:

• Due diligence questionnaire (Standard)

• Due diligence guidance for research organisations

The full call details, application form, budget template, draft contract and financial identification form is available as a zip-file package via the button below. Included in a sub-folder are ethics forms adapted from University of Stirling procedures to provide further guidance on the identification and reporting on ethical issues and do not need to be completed as part of the application. A due diligence questionnaire will be provided to applicants who complete and return the included notification of intention to submit form.

First Call for Research Project Proposals - Archived Page