AWJAC judge application

Interested in becoming a judge for AVMA’s Animal Welfare Assessment Contest® (AWJAC®)? Apply below for consideration.

AWJAC is an educational tool for enhancing understanding and awareness of welfare issues affecting animals used for human purposes (e.g., research, agriculture, entertainment, companionship) open to participation by veterinary, undergraduate, and graduate students. Two events are held each year: a virtual contest in the spring and an in-person one in the fall.

Judges must have a PhD or DVM and animal welfare experience in one or more of the featured species for the contest at which they serve as judges. Even if your species expertise isn’t being featured at an event that’s already planned, your application will be retained and considered for future events.

All judges receive an honorarium, and travel expenses are covered for in-person judges.

About the contest

AWJAC relies on hypothetical, realistic, computer-viewed and/or onsite scenarios with live animals containing performance, health, physiologic, and behavioral data. These are evaluated by students and judges to determine which facility has a higher level of welfare. Students then present their rationale orally to judges.

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