London School of Economics Launches First-Ever Centre for Animal Sentience

Photo by Diane Picchiottino on Unsplash

In a groundbreaking move for animal welfare and environmental ethics, the London School of Economics (LSE) has announced the launch of the world’s first Centre for Animal Sentience, to open in September. Spearheaded by LSE Philosophy Professor Jonathan Birch, the Centre aims to transform how societies think about and treat nonhuman animals.

“Our goal is to use the emerging science of animal minds to design better policies, laws and ways of caring for other animals,” said Birch, whose work has long focused on the cognitive lives of animals. “Our work will put Britain back at the leading edge of animal welfare globally and help restore the harmonious relationship with other species that we all want and need.”

The announcement is already making waves in animal rights and sustainability circles. The Centre will bring together researchers from neuroscience, law, philosophy and behavioural science to inform public debate and improve legal protections for sentient beings.

Professor Birch, who led the UK government’s 2021 review on invertebrate sentience, also emphasized a broader vision: “Let’s make a world in which all sentient beings are respected, even the smallest ones.”

This initiative is a powerful reminder that animal welfare is not just an emotional issue, it’s a scientific, legal and environmental one. It reflects a growing global movement to rethink human-animal relationships in a warming, biodiversity-crisis world.

The Centre is made possible by a £4 million grant from the Jeremy Coller Foundation, established by investor Jeremy Coller to create positive impact on globally critical issues through strategic action, collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

“The Centre will be the first of its kind in the world and a place for ethical moonshots,” said Professor Birch. “Let's make a world in which all sentient beings are respected, even the smallest ones. Let's make a world where AI is used to benefit all animals, not to facilitate cruelty. Let's make a world in which people are empowered to act in accordance with their love of other animals rather than being nudged towards indifference. Some say these are impossible dreams, but the boundary between the ‘possible’ and the allegedly ‘impossible’ is one we aim to move.”

See Professor Birch’s presentation on understanding animal sentience and why we need to learn more.