Horse-assisted therapy (HAT) is gaining increasing attention as a promising intervention for a wide range of patient groups. Yet, as an emerging field, it still faces a critical challenge: the need for stronger scientific evidence, better methodologies, and greater international visibility.

The Ann Kern-Godal Memorial Fund for Horse-Assisted Therapy (HAT) was established to meet exactly this need. The fund now invites international applications for research funding aimed at strengthening the scientific foundation of horse-assisted therapy and advancing the field through high-quality, evidence-based research.

If you are a PhD candidate, postdoctoral researcher, or part of a research centre working with – or planning to work with – horse-assisted therapy, this is an opportunity to develop, deepen, or elevate your research.

Building a stronger evidence base for HAT

The purpose of the fund is to promote rigorous research and contribute to robust, credible scientific knowledge within horse-assisted therapy. Because the field is still developing, the fund supports a broad range of scientific approaches, disciplines, and methodologies.

Particular emphasis is placed on projects that:

• Strengthen methodological quality

• Contribute to innovation in research design or measurement

• Build reliable evidence for clinical or therapeutic effects

• Increase the international scientific visibility of HAT

The ambition is not only to support individual projects, but to help move the entire field forward.

What kind of projects and researchers can be funded?

The fund supports research in several ways:

Research funding and scholarships

Support can be awarded to:

• PhD candidates whose research is wholly or partly focused on horse-assisted therapy

• Postdoctoral researchers working wholly or partly on HAT, especially projects exploring new or innovative methodologies

Exceptionally strong projects may be granted multi-year funding for up to three years.

Scientific prize

In addition, the fund awards a scientific prize to a research centre or institution that has made an outstanding contribution to the development of horse-assisted therapy research.

Funding level

• Individual grants normally range from NOK 85,000 to NOK 350,000

• Particularly strong applications may receive larger grants

• The total funding available in this call is up to NOK 750,000

An international call

This call is open to applicants from all countries.

Applications are welcome from:

• PhD candidates

• Postdoctoral researchers

• Institutions or research centres applying for the scientific prize

Both individual researchers and institutions may apply.

Because this is an international call, all applications must be submitted in English.

A chance to shape the future of the field

Horse-assisted therapy has great potential, but its long-term credibility and impact depend on the strength of its scientific foundation. The Ann Kern-Godal Memorial Fund is dedicated to supporting research that helps transform promising practice into documented, evidence-based knowledge.

If your work contributes to better understanding, stronger methods, or more solid clinical evidence in HAT, you are strongly encouraged to apply.

Practical information

Application deadline

30 March

How to apply

Applications must be submitted electronically through UNIFOR’s application system.

The application must include:

• Completed application form

• CV (PDF, maximum 4 pages)

• Project description (PDF, maximum 5 pages, excluding front matter and references)

• Budget overview (entered directly in the application form)

• Two letters of recommendation from individuals with relevant scientific expertise

Applications missing any required document will not be considered.

All attachments must be uploaded in the application system. The requested amount must be stated in Norwegian kroner (NOK).

For applicants without a Norwegian national ID number

Applicants who do not have a Norwegian national ID number must contact unifor@unifor.no to get access to the application system. Verification is required to comply with Norwegian regulations for international transfers.

Because this process takes time, applicants are strongly advised to contact UNIFOR well in advance of the deadline.