The plans for the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) 2011 symposium are well underway with the meeting set to bring together leading scientists, veterinarians, policy-makers and others for timely consideration of economic and other incentives and constraints to making improvements in animal welfare, along with the societal attitudes of which these are a reflection.

The symposium is to be held within the Portsmouth Historic Dockyards on the 28 and 29 June 2011.

A programme of internationally recognised speakers, including Professors David Bayvel (MAF Biosecurity, New Zealand), Ian Duncan (University of Guelph, Canada), Peter Sandoe (University of Copenhagen, Denmark) and John Webster (University of Bristol, UK) among many others, will present a diverse range of topics over the two days.

It is intended that the proceedings of the symposium will be published as a special edition of UFAW’s Animal Welfare journal.

UFAW will also present its two newly-introduced awards during the event: the UFAW Medal for Outstanding Contributions to Animal Welfare Science; and the UFAW Young Animal Welfare Scientist of the Year.

There will be a drinks reception during the event on HMS Warrior, the world’s first iron-hulled armoured warship. Delegates will also be able to explore the dockyard and its museums, visit Nelson’s flagship HMS Victory and have a guided boat tour of the harbour.

The full programme and other details, including registration form, are available at the UFAW web site (www.ufaw.org.uk) or from the UFAW office.