Faunalytics is excited to announce Fauna Connections, our 5th annual remote symposium for animal advocates, scheduled for September 10th, 2026. We invite academics and researchers from the social and behavioral sciences, or related disciplines, to submit a presentation abstract focusing on a synthesis of research. We are particularly interested  in research supporting advocates in the U.S., China, India, and Brazil, and in comprehensive analyses, such as meta-analyses or expert overviews, that provide a deeper understanding of topics relevant to animal advocacy. We will not accept an abstract focused on the results of one study.

Examples of topics related to this theme include, but are not limited to:

• Novel meat-reduction interventions
• How people think about animals
• How to build coalitions with other social movements
• How to influence policy-makers
• How to transition to animal-free methods in science
• The state of animal advocacy in under-researched regions
• How to improve adoption rates for shelter animals 

Examples of topics that do not fit the theme:

• Human or animal nutrition
• Replication studies
• Simple polling data (e.g. statistics on alternative protein consumer acceptance)
• Studies that examine well-discussed questions in animal advocacy without a new perspective (e.g. vegan diet retention)

Format

Researchers will present their work in a pre-recorded 10-15 minute video presentation, followed by a live 5-minute Q&A. Speakers must record their presentations in advance, and are expected to attend the event to be present for the live Q&A. After the symposium, all talks will be uploaded to YouTube. 

Faunalytics prioritizes actionable research. Because of this, researchers are expected to also give specific actionable recommendations to the audience. For examples of these evidence-based recommendations, please review our original studies (see these examples) and scroll to the “Recommendations” header. 

Depending on the number and content of submissions we receive, we may ask some presenters to present their work in a recorded panel. When you submit your proposal, you will have the option to opt out of the panel format. Selecting the “either presentation or panel” option or not will not influence the chance of being selected.

While some scholars usually attend, the primary audience is animal advocates, who may not understand scientific jargon. Please format your application and presentation (including the title of your proposed presentation) in lay-friendly terms to increase readability. 

How To Submit

Please submit your presentation proposal here by EOD Friday, May 29th, 2026.

Applications will be reviewed for topic, relevance, originality, depth of research, actionability, and clarity. Faunalytics will be in touch with all authors by Tuesday, June 16th, 2026.