Hosted by Animal Welfare Science Centre, join leading experts as they examine the past 25 years of animal welfare science, noting what's changed and identifying future directions for the field. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation and contribute to the future of animal welfare.
25 years of Zoo Animal Welfare Science: Progress, Challenges and the Future - Dr Sally Sherwen
Dr Sherwen is the Director of Wildlife Conservation and Science at Zoos Victoria. Sally leads a dynamic team of scientists and specialists that develop and deliver strategic programs in conservation, animal welfare, education and environmental sustainability. Sally has a PhD in Animal Welfare Science and in previous roles has established an evidence-based research program in animal behaviour and welfare science, developed and implemented an institutional welfare assessment tool to advance welfare standards and designed and ran collaborative training courses with several NGOs for industry professionals and community groups.
From Basic Care to Better Lives: Impact and Momentum in Dog Welfare - Dr Mia Cobb
Dr Mia Cobb is the Chaser Innovation Research Fellow in Canine Welfare Science at the University of Melbourne. With over 20 years of experience advancing dog welfare, her research focuses on evidence-based approaches for working and companion dogs, bridging scientific rigour with practical applications. Dr Cobb serves on international welfare advisory panels and has influenced policy and dog management practices worldwide. She is passionate about translating science into real-world improvements for dogs and the people who rely on them.
Improving Human-Animal Interactions: Understanding the Animal's Experience - Suzanne Truong
Suzanne Truong is a PhD student at the Centre for Animal Nutrition and Welfare at University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna. Her project aims to understand the mechanisms of positive human-animal interactions with a focus on farmed pigs. This multidisciplinary project combines methodologies from ethology, psychology, neuroendocrinology, pharmacology, bioacoustics, precision livestock farming, and ethics to investigate what makes an interaction positive from the pig's perspective. Suzanne is also leading the interdisciplinary sub-working group ‘Bridging Disciplines’ within the European COST Action ‘LIFT’ (Lifting Farm Animal Lives), bringing together interdisciplinary perspectives to inform our understanding of positive animal welfare.
