Media centre

RSPCA Sybil Emslie Animal Law Scholarship awarded to Canberran Naaman Kranz

PhD candidate and practising lawyer Naaman Kranz has been awarded the 2026 RSPCA Sybil Emslie Animal Law Scholarship.

RSPCA Australia
Friday, 23 October 2026

Subscribe to our media centre

Deakin University PhD candidate and practising lawyer Naaman Kranz has been awarded the 2026 RSPCA Sybil Emslie Animal Law Scholarship.

Naaman will use the funding to support his PhD research into whether the common law of negligence in Australia can and should develop to better recognise and protect the interests of animals.

Admitted as a lawyer in 2011, Naaman has worked across government agencies and private law firms, most recently as Special Counsel at a private firm in Canberra. Naaman has practised as an animal lawyer for more than a decade including with community legal centres, animal protection organisations and a specialist animal law firm.

Naaman said, “This scholarship will assist in my transition to full-time study and support my research, which I hope will contribute to a kinder and more just world for animals.”

RSPCA Australia CEO Richard Mussell said, “Year on year, the calibre of applications made to this scholarship is extremely high and 2026 was no different. We thank all those who took the time to apply in this 10th anniversary year and congratulate Naaman Kranz on winning the scholarship.”

“We believe he’s going to make a huge difference to the lives of animals throughout his career.”

Past recipients show the scholarship’s lasting impact. For 2021 winner Francesca Nyilas, it played a pivotal role in the shaping of her career, enabling the pursuit of opportunities aligned with her passion for animals while expanding her career into the climate, planning, energy and infrastructure sectors. The 2023 recipient, Alexandra Whittaker attributes receiving the scholarship to marking a turning point in her career as both a veterinarian and an Associate Professor.

Administered by RSPCA Australia with funds contributed by animal welfare philanthropist Sybil Emslie’s family and other donors, the Sybil Emslie Animal Law Scholarship is now in its 10th year. This year the scholarship purse increased substantially, thanks to the generous philanthropic support of donors.

The Scholarship celebrates the life-long dedication of Sybil Emslie, a devoted supporter of animal welfare whose generosity and advocacy reflected a deep commitment to the protection and care of animals. Sybil’s legacy continues through enduring support for initiatives that strengthen animal welfare and advance meaningful, long-term change.

Share this post

Copy link

Subscribe today and we’ll keep you updated on all the latest campaigns, events and news.

We care about your data in our privacy policy.

RSPCA Sybil Emslie Animal Law Scholarship awarded to Canberran Naaman Kranz

Stay informed on big issues and how you can help improve animal welfare across Australia.