'From Behaviour to Better Decisions: The Expanding Influence of Applied Ethology'

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Associate Professor Alexandra Whittaker is an animal welfare scientist, veterinarian and lawyer, in the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at Adelaide University.  Her research focuses on understanding animal behaviour and using that knowledge to improve animal welfare across a range of settings, including livestock production, laboratory animal science, and zoos.

Alex's work sits at the intersection of applied ethology, animal welfare science, ethics and policy. She is particularly interested in how behavioural evidence can be translated into practical tools that inform animal management, welfare assessment, governance and public policy. Her recent research has explored the use of novel technologies, automated behavioural monitoring and artificial intelligence to better understand animal experiences and support evidence-based decision-making.

Beyond research, Alex has extensive experience in animal ethics and research governance. She is passionate about fostering collaboration across disciplines and ensuring that behavioural science remains central to addressing contemporary challenges involving animals. Her work highlights the important role that applied ethology plays not only in understanding behaviour, but also in guiding decisions that affect animals and society.