A 100-year-old animal welfare charity has changed its name to better reflect the broad scope of its work.
The Universities Federation for Animal Welfare has become Science for Animal Welfare, a name the charity said avoids confusion about its focus and organisational structure.
The charity was founded in 1926 as the University of London Animal Welfare Society, before changing its name to UFAW in 1938 when its reach expanded beyond the capital.
But its latest name change aims to tackle confusion and better reflect its work outside of universities.
The organisation works to advance evidence-led improvements in animal welfare but its work extends beyond research laboratories, from farmed animals to overlooked species, such as rodents.
It is also a membership body for professionals working or studying in the field of animal welfare science, including scientists, veterinarians, policymakers and ethicists.
A spokesperson for the charity said its new name accurately reflects its role as an organisation focused on animal welfare as a science.
“The words ‘universities’ and ‘federation’ were confusing; we are not a federation, and our activity is not confined to universities,” they said. “This acted as a barrier to engaging with many important stakeholders.”
The charity has also launched a new visual identity to accompany the name change, including a modernised logo that references fins, wings, eyes and beaks to represent the broad range of species it works with.
“Our previous identity had served us well, but it no longer reflected the modern, ambitious and science-focused organisation we are,” the spokesperson said.
“We have developed a new visual identity that we believe is bold, credible and contemporary, while remaining true to our values and our history.”
The charity has also refreshed its website to enhance its ability to disseminate evidence-based animal welfare information, improve user experience and grow its fundraising.
Science for Animal Welfare, working with the consultancy Shift Insight, consulted members, stakeholders and the public on its new name and identity.
It worked with the design agency Ave and brand strategist Kat Knight on its new logo, visual identity and website.
The spokesperson declined to reveal the cost of the rebrand.
Huw Golledge, chief executive of Science for Animal Welfare, said: “Science underscores everything we do, and finally, after 100 years, we have a name to reflect that.
“Our research showed that we needed a name which is clear about who we are and what we do, while still reflecting everything we’ve stood for since 1926. Science for Animal Welfare ticked every box.”
Emma-Louise Singh, chair of Science for Animal Welfare, added: “Our new brand means we can be here to advance animal welfare science for another 100 years.”