‘Turning the tide’ 2027 SPEAKERS
We’re delighted to announce our first confirmed speakers, with more exciting additions to the programme to be revealed soon. Abstract submissions will also open shortly, so keep an eye on this page and our social channels for updates.
Professor Emeritus DAVID MELLOR
Professor Emeritus David Mellor is one of the world's most influential animal welfare scientists and the developer of the internationally recognised Five Domains Model - a framework that has transformed how animal welfare is understood, assessed and improved across veterinary medicine, animal welfare, research and policy. A Professor Emeritus at Massey University and Foundation Director of the Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre, his work has helped shift the focus of animal welfare beyond physical health to include animals' mental experiences and overall quality of life. Over a distinguished career spanning more than five decades, Professor Mellor has published more than 570 scholarly works and has made significant contributions to the welfare of companion animals, farm animals, horses and animals used in science. His pioneering contributions to animal welfare science have been recognised internationally, including receiving the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists' Animal Welfare Award.
Dr Susan Hazel
Dr Susan Hazel is a veterinarian, researcher and educator whose work focuses on improving the lives of companion animals and the people who care for them. Based at the University of Adelaide University’s School of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, she is an Associate Professor teaching animal behaviour, welfare and ethics across multiple degree programmes while leading research into the human–animal bond. Susan has supervised more than 40 PhD and Hons research projects and published over 90 scientific papers. Beyond academia, she is an active advocate for animal welfare, serving on the boards of the Dog & Cat Management Board of South Australia and RSPCA South Australia.
Professor Ngaio Beausoleil
Professor Ngaio Beausoleil is one of New Zealand's leading animal welfare scientists and an internationally recognised expert in animal welfare and conservation welfare. As Co-Director of the Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre at Massey University, her research explores how animals experience both positive and negative welfare, using behavioural and physiological science to better understand their needs. Her work has helped advance humane practices, including research into animal pain, welfare assessment and euthanasia, and she is a trusted contributor to animal welfare policy and scientific publications in New Zealand and internationally.