The importance of science in influencing Government decisions and policies has increased and so has the RSPCA's role in this process.
RSPCA Australia uses peer-reviewed scientific research to inform our policies, positions and campaigns. We also produce a quarterly Science Update to highlight new published scientific papers that help contribute to our understanding of animal welfare. Annually, we organise an Animal Welfare Seminar to explore the latest developments in animal welfare science.
The RSPCA Knowledgebase
The RSPCA Knowledgebase is Australia’s most reliable source of animal welfare science. The Knowledgebase features hundreds of evidence-based articles on animal welfare issues, responsible pet ownership, and the RSPCA’s policies and positions.
Find the answers on the Knowledgebase
Farm Animal Education
To support teachers, educators and parents the RSPCA has a range of education resources aimed to help connect children’s understanding of food with the animals that provide it and increase awareness of what makes for good farm animal welfare.
View our farm animal education resources
Science update
Every quarter, RSPCA Australia’s science team produces the Animal Welfare Science Update. The aim of the publication is to raise awareness of recent developments in animal welfare science that relate to the work of the RSPCA.
The Animal Welfare Science Update provides plain English summaries of the most relevant and interesting scientific papers and reports on animal welfare published in the previous few months.
Check out the Science Update
Animal welfare seminar
RSPCA Australia's Animal Welfare Seminar is an annual event - with much lively debate - bringing together key experts in animal welfare research. Each year features a different theme, and provides a forum to explore pressing animal welfare issues through diverse perspectives.
Find out about this year’s Seminar
Scholarships
Every year, RSPCA Australia offers three scholarships to encourage students to take an active interest in animal welfare issues, to support animal welfare research that might not otherwise attract funding, and to promote the objectives of the RSPCA within the research community.
Learn more about the RSPCA’s scholarships