More information on The Reid Student Bursary
The Reid Student Bursary for Donkey Welfare offers financial assistance for the undertaking of a small research project as part of a university degree programme.
Proposals are welcomed on any topic within the field of donkey health and welfare, and The Donkey Sanctuary encourages thoughtful proposals for donkey welfare focused projects, with students from varying fields encouraged to apply.
Applying for the Reid Student Bursary for Donkey Welfare
One award will be made available annually, with applications opening once per year.
Applications are invited from students currently registered on a degree course at any university in the UK.
Please ensure that you have read the Reid Student Bursary Application Notes and Guidelines document carefully before completing your application and refer to it as necessary. Please also refer to our Financial Guidelines for more information on what expenses are accountable for part of your project budget.
The Donkey Sanctuary Research Team will accept applications via email only. All enquiries and submissions are to be directed to [email protected]
Closing date: 30 November 2024
Undertaking the Reid Student Bursary for Donkey Welfare
If appropriate, students may wish to choose to undertake the practical element of their project at one of our sanctuary sites within the listed countries.
This offers a unique opportunity to engage with an international equine charity and work with teams within the organisation to expand knowledge and understanding for the improvement of donkey welfare.
The bursary holder will be supported by the research team but may work with other departments most relevant to their research area.
The practical element of a student’s research project may also be undertaken at a location not connected with The Donkey Sanctuary.
The Donkey Sanctuary research policy
We have a strict code of ethics that must be adhered to, the basis of which is that all research must be non-invasive. This means that we do not do anything to donkeys that penetrates the body for the purpose of research.
We will not take blood samples, biopsies or give injections for the purposes of research.
We do not allow animals to be separated from their companions for the purpose of research, or to make any other changes to their management that may cause distress.
In addition to this, research will only be approved if the expected outcome and benefits to The Donkey Sanctuary or donkey population in general outweigh the time and resources spent.
Apply for the Reid student bursary for donkey welfare
Frequently asked questions
The bursary is only open to registered students currently enrolled in an undergraduate or master’s degree programme at a university within the UK.
Only projects based within the UK will be considered at this time, although in future there may be scope for worldwide projects.
There may at times be projects that The Donkey Sanctuary would like to prioritise, and we may offer a linked project related to our core aims. However, we are keen to hear of novel research ideas and would encourage you to consider potential new projects based on your own area of expertise prior to contacting us wherever possible.
Only one Reid Student Bursary for Donkey Welfare is awarded each year.
Ensure that you have discussed your proposal with your academic institution prior to submission, and that your chosen project meets your institution’s criteria. Ethical approval will need to be confirmed by both your academic institution and The Donkey Sanctuary prior to starting your project.
We welcome proposals across many different disciplines and areas of research including, but not limited to, veterinary science, behaviour, nutrition, social sciences and conservation. The guiding principle must be that you can demonstrate that your proposed project will contribute to furthering understanding in the field of improving donkey welfare.
The maximum amount which can be applied for is £4000. The bursary grant is available to cover costs including travel, subsistence, accommodation and any other costs associated with the project including project consumables. Please ensure that you have read the Financial Guidelines (Reid Student Bursary for Donkey Welfare) prior to submitting your proposal.
Projects undertaken as part of the Reid Student Bursary for Donkey Welfare will normally be solely funded by The Donkey Sanctuary. Please contact us for further information.
The successful applicant will be expected to undertake any preparation/training/induction as deemed necessary by The Donkey Sanctuary. You will also be asked to abide by The Donkey Sanctuary’s code of conduct and will be provided with relevant policies and risk assessments upon award of the bursary.
The successful applicant will consider themselves a representative of The Donkey Sanctuary for the duration of the project and therefore may be expected to wear Donkey Sanctuary uniform and endeavour to be an ambassador for the charity at all times.
They must, however, be aware that they are not a direct employee of the charity and as such cannot undertake to speak on behalf of The Donkey Sanctuary in relation to anything other than the approved project.
Proposals related to improving welfare for donkeys and their hybrids (mules/hinnies) will be considered.
Yes, on successful completion of your project we would expect you to present your project findings to an audience. This may be an in-person presentation at The Donkey Sanctuary headquarters in Sidmouth, or it may be via a virtual medium, or as a pre-recorded presentation. Options for presenting will be discussed with you as part of your induction process.