Faunalytics will host a remote symposium for animal advocates on September 19th, 2024 (tentatively 12:00pm-5:30pm EDT). We invite academics and scientists from the social and behavioral sciences, or related disciplines, to submit a presentation abstract of original research that discusses the real-life implications and recommendations of such data for animal advocates in any of four areas: farmed animals, companion animals, wild animals, and animals used in science. 

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 orally in a pre-recorded 10-minute presentation, followed by a live 5-minute Q&A. While researchers will record their presentations in advance, speakers 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. If you are selected to speak, we will also give you materials to help you improve your recommendations as you prepare for the symposium. 

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

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, July 12th, 2024.

• Names and affiliations of all authors
• Presentation title
• Area of the research to be presented: farmed animals, companion animals, wild animals, or animals used in science
• A summary of your study, including the purpose of research, methods, and results (or anticipated results), maximum 250 words
• Recommendations for animal advocates, maximum 100 words

Applications will be reviewed for topic, relevance, originality, depth of research, actionability, and clarity. Faunalytics will be in touch with all authors by Monday, July 29th.