Newcastle researchers Dr Carmen Hubbard (Centre for Rural Economy), Dr Matt Leach (School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development) and Dr Lucy Asher (Institute of Neuroscience) are all founder members of a new Animal Welfare Research Network initiated and funded by BBSRC.  At the inaugural meeting of the network in May, over 100 academics and representatives from businesses, government departments and NGOs, came together to reflect on the challenges faced by the livestock industry in ensuring welfare standards, while also addressing complex issues such as sustainability, profitability and the demands of consumers.  Carmen Hubbard said: “A great strength of this new network is the breadth of experience and expertise that it brings together, not only across academia but from other sectors.  We hope to see it grow even further in the future and that colleagues at Newcastle and beyond will take the opportunity of joining.”