Expressions of interest close 15 December 2026
Advance Your Research Without Animals
NZAVS is committed to a future beyond harmful animal experimentation. Our two university grants support researchers and students to advance human health research using modern, animal-free methods.
Why This Grant Exists
Our university grants were created to show that science can exist without harming animals. The W.E Bradshaw University Innovation Grant, made possible by a generous legacy gift, offers up to $50,000 for a project at a New Zealand university, polytechnic or connected research institution that replaces animal use with modern, human-relevant methods. Alongside it, the Pathfinder Innovation University Grant offers up to $10,000 for student-led projects, backing the researchers of the future. Together, they support researchers at every stage who want to advance science without harming animals.
For Researchers Ready to Lead Change
Are you a researcher at a New Zealand university or polytechnic ready to pioneer animal-free science? Our grants are designed for researchers who want to replace animal testing with innovative, human-relevant alternatives. We support researchers across all career stages - from postgraduates to senior academics - who are committed to ethical research that delivers better scientific outcomes.
Eligibility Criteria
Our eligibility criteria focus on supporting researchers who can demonstrate both the capability to develop effective alternatives to animal testing and the institutional commitment needed for sustainable change.
Applicant eligibility
Applicants must be based at an accredited New Zealand university, polytechnic, or connected research institution such as a hospital.
Project focus and impact
The proposed project must aim to significantly reduce or fully replace the use of animals in research, teaching, or testing in New Zealand, and this impact must be ongoing.
Preference for full replacement
Preference will be given to projects that achieve full replacement of animal use, rather than those that only reduce or refine current practices.
Prohibition on animal use and animal-derived products
Applicants must ensure that no animal use or animal-derived products (including consumables such as foetal bovine serum) are included in the project.
Institutional commitment to permanent change
There should be a demonstrated institutional commitment to permanent change, faculty-wide engagement, or curriculum/policy reform.
Letter of support requirement
The applicant must provide a letter of support from a senior university or department representative. (e.g., Head of Department, Dean).
Collaborations with other institutions
Collaborations with other departments or external institutions are allowed, provided the lead applicant is based in New Zealand.
Applicants with a history of animal experimentation
Applicants with a history of animal-based experimentation may still apply, however NZAVS reserves the right to assess applications from individuals with a history of animal experimentation on a case-by-case basis.
Funding from both grants
The same project cannot receive funding from both the W.E Bradshaw and Pathfinder grants.
NZAVS rights to exclude or decline applications
- NZAVS has the right to exclude certain applicants from the consideration process (before applications are received by the judging panel), or to choose not to offer the grant to any applicant if NZAVS is not satisfied (in its sole judgment) with the applications received. Examples of additional provisions include:
- (a) The right to choose whether or not to consider an application where the application does not fully comply with the application requirements (e.g. omissions or material errors).
- (b) The right to exclude applicants who have made false declarations.
- (c) The right to exclude applicants who are in bankruptcy, receivership or liquidation.
- (d) The right to exclude an applicant if NZAVS becomes aware of any matter (including professional misconduct) that materially diminishes its trust in the applicant.
Applicant eligibility
Applicants must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate, Master’s or PhD programme at an accredited New Zealand university or polytechnic. The project may be carried out at a connected research institution, such as a hospital, provided the applicant’s enrolment is with a New Zealand tertiary institution.
Continued enrolment
Applicants must remain enrolled for the duration of the funded project. If an applicant’s enrolment ends before the project is completed, they must notify NZAVS promptly.
Who can apply
The Pathfinder Innovation University Grant is intended for the researchers of the future. University staff who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate, Master’s or PhD programme are eligible, provided the funded project forms part of their study. Postdoctoral researchers, professors, and anyone who already holds a doctoral degree are not eligible to apply. These applicants are encouraged to consider the W.E Bradshaw University Innovation Grant instead.
Student-led applications
The student must be the lead applicant. Applications submitted by a supervisor or staff member on a student’s behalf will not be accepted.
Supervisor support requirement
Each applicant must have a research supervisor who supports the project. The applicant must provide a letter of support from their supervisor, confirming the project is feasible within the applicant’s study programme and that appropriate facilities and oversight will be available.
Project focus and impact
The proposed project must aim to reduce or fully replace the use of animals in research, teaching, or testing in New Zealand.
Preference for full replacement
Preference will be given to projects that achieve full replacement of animal use, rather than those that only reduce or refine current practices.
Prohibition on animal use and animal-derived products
Applicants must ensure that no animal use or animal-derived products (including consumables such as foetal bovine serum) are included in the project.
Project scope and budget
The project’s scope must be achievable within the NZD $10,000 funding available. Projects may form part of a wider thesis or research programme, provided the funded component meets all eligibility requirements and is free of animal use.
Collaborations
Collaborations with other students, departments or external institutions are allowed, provided the lead applicant is a student enrolled in New Zealand.
Previous involvement in animal-based work
Previous involvement in animal-based work, including required coursework, does not automatically exclude an applicant. NZAVS reserves the right to assess such applications on a case-by-case basis.
One application per round
Applicants may submit only one Pathfinder application per funding round, and the same project cannot receive funding from both the Pathfinder and W.E Bradshaw grants.
NZAVS rights to exclude or decline applications
- NZAVS has the right to exclude certain applicants from the consideration process (before applications are received by the judging panel), and/or to choose not to offer the grant to any applicant if NZAVS is not satisfied (in its sole judgment) with the applications received. Examples of additional provisions include:
- (a) The right to choose whether or not to consider an application where the application does not fully comply with the application requirements (e.g. omissions or material errors).
- (b) The right to exclude applicants who have made false declarations.
- (c) The right to exclude applicants who are in bankruptcy.
- (d) The right to exclude an applicant if NZAVS becomes aware of any matter (including academic or professional misconduct) that materially diminishes its trust in the applicant.
Start Your Application Today
Submit an expression of interest for the W.E Bradshaw or Pathfinder grant. If your expression of interest is successful, we’ll send you a full application pack for the grant you’ve chosen.
Drop-in Information Session
Join a drop-in information session on Wednesday 2 December at either 12:30pm or 7:00pm to learn more about the W.E. Bradshaw University Innovation Grant, the application process, and eligibility requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is NZAVS, and why are you launching this grant?
NZAVS (the New Zealand Anti-Vivisection Society) is Aotearoa’s leading charity dedicated to ending harmful animal experimentation. Since 1978, we’ve worked to create a future where science is ethical, innovative, and free from animal suffering.We’re launching this grant because we believe systemic change begins with opportunity. Right now, there is no dedicated funding in New Zealand for research or education projects that fully replace the use of animals. This grant, made possible by a generous legacy donation is the only fund of its kind in the country. It’s designed to support the development and adoption of animal-free, human-relevant approaches that benefit both science and compassion.
Who can apply?
It depends on the grant. The W.E Bradshaw University Innovation Grant is open to applicants based at an accredited New Zealand university, polytechnic or connected research institution such as a hospital. Applications can come from individuals, teams or departments. The Pathfinder Innovation University Grant is open to students currently enrolled in an undergraduate, Master’s or PhD programme at an accredited New Zealand university or polytechnic, and the student must be the lead applicant. Postdoctoral researchers, professors and anyone who already holds a doctoral degree should apply for the W.E Bradshaw grant.
How much funding is available?
Both are one-off grants. The W.E Bradshaw University Innovation Grant offers up to $50,000, and the Pathfinder Innovation University Grant offers up to $10,000. Applicants may request partial or full funding depending on the scope and needs of their project. The same project cannot receive funding from both grants.
How are applications assessed?
All applications are reviewed by an independent judging panel using a scoring system based on:
- Impact on animal use
- Innovation and human relevance
- Feasibility and sustainability
- Institutional support
- Potential for replication
- Alignment with NZAVS values
- Budget clarity and justification
You can find a summary of the judging criteria in the Application Pack
What are the reporting requirements?
Grant recipients must:
- Sign a grant agreement before funds are released
- Submit a mid-project progress report
- Submit a final report (including outcomes, impact, and budget reconciliation)
- Be open to a virtual or in-person check-in with NZAVS during the project
A short public impact story will be required.
Can the scope of the project change once funding is received?
Minor changes may be approved with written permission. However, any significant changes to project goals, methodology, or budget must be discussed and approved by NZAVS in advance.
Who can I contact if I have further questions?
Please contact:
Jade Pengelly
Executive Officer
jade@nzavs.org.nz
What is the purpose of this grant?
The NZAVS University Innovation Grant is designed to support New Zealand universities in transitioning away from the use of animals in research, teaching, and testing. We aim to fund innovative, sustainable projects that promote ethical, human-relevant science and help eliminate animal experimentation
What types of projects will be funded?
We fund projects that:
- Replace (not just reduce or refine) the use of animals in research or teaching
- Introduce or expand the use of human-relevant models or technologies
- Create or adapt curriculum materials that exclude animal use
- Support institution-wide shifts toward animal-free science
Examples include purchasing validated non-animal research tools, developing new digital or virtual teaching models, or revising lab-based teaching methods.
What types of expenses are eligible?
Eligible expenses include (but are not limited to)
- Equipment or software to support non-animal research or teaching
- Curriculum development time or consultation
- Training, workshops, or student/staff development
- Publication or dissemination of project outcomes
- Ineligible costs include anything involving animal use, salaries for unrelated staff, or unrelated general institutional expenses.
Can I collaborate with other institutions?
Yes! Collaborative proposals involving multiple departments or institutions are welcome, provided the lead applicant is from a New Zealand university and the project outcomes benefit NZ-based students or research systems.
When will funding be released?
Funds will be released once the grant agreement is signed and all administrative requirements are met. NZAVS will coordinate a payment schedule with the recipient.
If our University is unsuccessful, can we apply again next year?
This grant is a one-off funding opportunity made possible by a generous legacy donation. While future grants are possible, they are not guaranteed.
