Voiceless Animal Advocacy Scholarships 2026

VOICELESS SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS ANNOUNCED

We are delighted to announce the recipients of the Voiceless 2026 Animal Rights Forum Scholarships, supporting emerging advocates to access critical spaces for learning, collaboration and leadership within the animal protection movement.

	Aleesha Simoncini Aleesha is an animal rights advocate, law and environmental science student and volunteer at Edgar’s Mission. She has a particular interest in reforming the dairy industry and will be speaking at the Forum!
	Jessica Tselepy Jessica is an early-career legal scholar specialising in international trade law and animal protection, with a focus on advancing farmed animal welfare through systemic legal reform.
	Elijah Richardson Elijah is a passionate youth leader working across environmental and animal protection through community education, marine conservation, and grassroots activism.
	Saara Lusher Saara is a veterinarian-turned-lawyer dedicated to improving oversight and welfare standards for farmed animals through legal and policy reform.

APPLICATIONS FOR THE VOICELESS ANIMAL ADVOCACY SCHOLARSHIPS IN 2026 HAVE NOW CLOSED.

Investing in emerging leaders to build a stronger future for animals at the Animal Rights Forum 2026 in Sydney from 21–22 February 2026.

Voiceless is committed to nurturing the next generation of animal advocates. Through our Voiceless Animal Advocacy Scholarships, we support young or early-career advocates in attending the upcoming Animal Rights Forum 2026 in Sydney – a two-day event that unites animal advocates and activists from across Australia. Scholarships will cover Forum registration and may also include travel and accommodation support for interstate recipients. By investing in emerging leaders, Voiceless aims to help build a professional, collaborative and impact-driven animal protection movement for the future.

Eligibility

• Open to: Young or early-career advocates based in Australia.
• Fields of interest: Applicants should demonstrate a genuine interest or involvement in animal advocacy, law, education, politics, social sciences, or another related transdisciplinary field contributing to animal protection or social change.
• Young or early-career advocates: People who have been actively engaged in the animal protection movement for between one and five years.
• Location: Both Sydney-based and interstate applicants are welcome to apply.

Selection Criteria

Voiceless Animal Advocacy Scholarships will be selected based on applicants demonstrated passion, potential, and alignment with the core values of Voiceless and the animal protection movement.
Applicants will be assessed on:

• Commitment to Animal Protection: Passion for creating positive change through advocacy, education, policy, research, or community engagement.
• Engagement and Initiative: Evidence of involvement in animal protection or adjacent social-change efforts (volunteering, study, work, or personal projects).
• Potential for Impact: A clear understanding of how attending the Animal Rights Forum 2026 will enhance their ability to make a positive difference for animals.
• Alignment with Voiceless Values: Understanding of Voiceless’ mission to promote compassionate, evidence-based, and systemic approaches to animal protection.
• Clarity and Thoughtfulness: Well-considered and authentic responses to application questions.

Selection Process:
Applications will be reviewed by the Voiceless team, with input from selected advisors. Shortlisted applicants may be contacted for additional information before final selections are made. All applicants will be notified by email.

Key Dates

Applications open: Monday, 3 November 2025
Applications close: Friday, 5 December 2025
Animal Rights Forum 2026: 21–22 February 2026, Sydney

Please note: Successful applicants will be notified well in advance of the Animal Rights Forum 2026, allowing ample time to confirm attendance and, where applicable, arrange travel and accommodation. If travel or accommodation support is offered, recipients will be contacted directly by Voiceless following selection.

Additional Information

• All selected recipients will receive their Animal Rights Forum 2026 registration directly through Voiceless.
• Limited travel and accommodation assistance may be available for interstate recipients.
• Applicants should ensure they are available to attend both Forum days before submitting their application.

About the Animal Rights Forum 2026
The Animal Rights Forum is Australia’s premier gathering for advocates and organisations working toward a more compassionate world for animals. The 2026 Forum will feature leading speakers, workshops, and opportunities to connect with peers across disciplines.