Morris Animal Foundation

It’s incredible what we can accomplish together in just one year! Check out our annual report to learn about all the great ways our donors have helped us help animals this past year: https://lnkd.in/gWz6E_aD

🔬 Calling all veterinary researchers: Our canine health RFP is now open! Morris Animal Foundation is accepting pre-proposals for 2025 canine health research grants, with funding available across four categories: Established Investigator, First Award, Pilot Study and Fellowship Training. We’re especially interested in proposals using Golden Retriever Lifetime Study data and/or samples, with a focus on canine cancer research, biomarkers, and genetic associations. ✔️ Competitive proposals will demonstrate a clear animal health need, collaborative strategy, and strong potential for real-world impact. ✔️ Academic–industry collaborations welcome. ✔️ Deadline: April 23, 2025, 4:59 p.m. ET 📄 Learn more + apply: https://bit.ly/43JyjTR

A new publication in Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) journal—funded by Morris Animal Foundation—reveals concerning levels of trace metal contamination near a major coal ash landfill at the Chesterfield Power Station in Virginia. University of Mary Washington researchers found significantly elevated concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, and other metals in sediments adjacent to the facility, with evidence pointing to coal ash as the primary source. These metals pose potential risks to both wildlife and humans. 💡 Using environmental DNA (eDNA), the team identified 22 species of fish in the area—including several that are threatened, endangered, or regularly consumed by anglers—highlighting urgent conservation concerns. 📍 With over 15 million tons of coal ash stored near the James River, this study provides critical insight into how legacy waste is impacting one of the Chesapeake Bay’s most important tributaries. ➡️ Read the full study here: https://lnkd.in/gTd8rTGs Congratulations to the research team: Tyler E. Frankel, Catherine Crowell, Summer Orledge, Leanna Giancarlo, and Ben Kisila Odhiambo.

Urgent Funding Opportunity: Hemangiosarcoma Research Proposal Deadline Extended We are extending the deadline for our Canine Hemangiosarcoma Request for Proposals to April 9, 2025. This is a critical opportunity for researchers to secure funding and drive meaningful advancements in the fight against this devastating disease. We are seeking Established Investigator and Pilot Study proposals that focus on: 🔹 Diagnostics for early detection and improved outcomes 🔹 Therapeutics to enhance treatment effectiveness 🔹 Genetic breeding value prediction to inform future prevention strategies We also encourage proposals that leverage data from our Golden Retriever Lifetime Study to gain deeper insights into hemangiosarcoma. This funding has the potential to change the landscape of canine cancer research. If you're working in this space, we urge you to apply—or share this opportunity with colleagues who might. 🔗 Learn More: https://bit.ly/4bN8GU8 🔗 Apply Now: https://bit.ly/4bLLzcq

🎉 Congratulations to Andrea Hui, a fourth-year veterinary student at the Royal Veterinary College, on being awarded a Morris Animal Foundation Veterinary Student Scholar grant and the AVTRW Diamond Jubilee Award! Andrea’s groundbreaking work on equine endothelial cells is helping fill a critical knowledge gap in veterinary science. These cells play a central role in equine health—regulating blood pressure, clotting, inflammation, and vessel formation—yet remain poorly understood in horses. Developing new tools to study their function could result in improved diagnostics and treatments for equine vascular diseases. We’re proud to support young researchers like Andrea, whose dedication and innovation are shaping the future of animal health.

We're thrilled to announce funding for seven groundbreaking studies aimed at improving feline health and well-being. These research projects, led by top scientists at institutions worldwide including University of California, Davis, University of Sydney and University of São Paulo, will address critical issues such as viral infections, cancer treatment, chronic disease management, and genetic mapping. “Despite the number of cats in our homes, funding for feline health research still lags behind support for dog health,” said Dr. Kelly Diehl, Senior Director of Science Communication at the Foundation. “Now more than ever, we need science that directly addresses the unique medical challenges cats face.” These studies, set to begin later this year, will advance veterinary knowledge and improve the lives of cats for generations to come. Learn more about the funded projects and the researchers leading the way: https://bit.ly/4krzuNs

We are proud to partner with Caring Pathways in supporting the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study and providing compassionate guidance to Study families. Together, we are making a difference in advancing animal health and honoring the bond between pets and their people. Thank you to dvm360® for sharing!

For two decades, Morris Animal Foundation’s Veterinary Student Scholar program has been shaping the future of veterinary medicine, providing mentorship and funding to over 600 students across 15 countries. These young scientists are tackling some of the most pressing health challenges in animals—developing innovative treatments, improving animal welfare, and driving conservation efforts. Research matters. It transforms lives. And it starts with people. Join us in celebrating 20 years of impact and investing in the next generation of veterinary researchers. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gUbhuzwZ Pictured from left to right: Mentor Dr. Bekky Weka, Student Ruth Ankala, and Mentor Dr. Asinamai A. Bitrus, at University of Jos, Nigeria.

Congratulations on an impactful year! We're honored to collaborate with EveryCat Health Foundation to advance the health of cats around the world. 🐈⬛

Amazing work 👏 Congrats, Dr. Wallis!