Student opportunities

The Donkey Sanctuary encourages and supports students to carry out research projects in the field of donkey and mule health and welfare. There is not normally any financial support available for these projects. However, support, data and consumables may be available. Proposals should be submitted as outlined below.

Proposal Submission

• An appointment should be made with the Head of Research to discuss the initial proposal, where this is not practical (for example where projects are being proposed outside of the UK) the student should contact the Head of Research by email.
• Discussions should take place between the researcher and their academic supervisor.
• A short proposal (3-4 pages) should be submitted by the student/researcher to be put forward for discussion at the next charity director meeting. This should include the following details:
  1. Name, academic institution, contact details
  2. Name and contact details of the academic supervisor
  3. Background
  4. Aims/hypotheses
  5. Methods
  6. Timeline of project
  7. Ethical considerations
  8. Budget (If appropriate)
• The proposal will be considered with respect to the charity’s ethical guidelines on research, the practical implications for staff and the scientific soundness of the proposal. The student/researcher will be informed of the outcome as soon as possible but students should note that decisions may take up 8 weeks so applications must be made as far in advance as possible. Students are also reminded that proposals may be rejected and as such it is advisory that alternative plans are made for such eventualities.
• Further discussion should take place with the Head of Research and other relevant staff on how the project will run, facilities needed, time scales, etc.
• Once the proposal is agreed, the Head of Research will arrange a mutually convenient start date with the researcher and members of staff that may be involved.

If you are interested in finding out more about studentship opportunities, please complete our Studentship Opportunities proposal form available at The Donkey Sanctuary, UK website.