The welfare of farm animals is a collective responsibility, situated at the crossroads of scientific research, ethical considerations, and agricultural practices. With society's growing concern for animal well-being, the demand for robust welfare assessment methods has significantly increased. To meet these expectations, such methods must not only adhere to scientific rigor but also be practical and adaptable across the diverse range of farming systems.

This three-day workshop, Bridging Science and Practice: A Workshop on Farm Animal Welfare Assessment, brings together students, PhD candidates, early-career researchers, and experts from the Balkan, Eastern, and Western European regions. Hosted at the Institute of Animal Science in Kostinbrod, Bulgaria, the programme offers a unique opportunity to examine animal welfare challenges and explore innovative solutions within the context of a lower-budget agricultural economy, reflecting the realities of many Eastern European settings.

Bulgaria, as one of the more economically constrained EU member states, offers a valuable opportunity to explore how welfare principles can be effectively implemented despite financial limitations. Participants will gain insight into the current state of animal welfare in the country, including ongoing research initiatives, policy frameworks, and the practical realities faced by its farming systems.

The workshop weaves together robust theoretical foundations with applied experience. Participants will benefit from plenary talks delivered by leading researchers, engaging group discussions, and immersive field visits to farms and research institutions. The programme covers a diverse range of topics, including species-specific assessment protocols, ethical and legal considerations, cutting-edge digital technologies, and strategies for welfare policy implementation. By bridging scientific knowledge with field-based perspectives, this workshop supports critical thinking, cross-border collaboration, and the development of context-sensitive solutions to advance farm animal welfare across Europe. We warmly invite you to join this enriching and collaborative environment, designed to inspire learning and exchange.

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The Scientific Committee

Manja Zupan Šemrov, Miroslav Kjosevski, Radka Šárová