Jessica is an award-winning translational researcher in animal welfare and innovation, with over ten years of professional experience in the field of animal behavior and welfare in farming and laboratory environments. Recently, she joined the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University as the Elizabeth Creak Associate Professor of Animal Welfare and Innovation.

 

Her work in animal welfare research involves the utilization of novel approaches and problem-solving to develop effective and relevant advancements in animal welfare which strategically align with future ethical farming and the use of animals for research purposes. Working with industry and relevant stakeholders to inform animal welfare priorities and compliment promotion of sustainable and ethical use of animals. Her most recent research focuses on animal affective states and consciousness during stunning and killing in both agricultural and laboratory settings. Her work has directly led to amendments to policy, regulation and practice at both national and international levels (e.g. the EU Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009 on the protection of animals at the time of killing).

 

She is an appointed member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Ethics Review Panel, BBSRC Animal Welfare Working Group and Pool of Experts, NC3Rs Grant Assessment Panel and Vice President of the World Poultry Association Science Association UK Branch. She is also Chair of the Animal Welfare Ethical Review Board (AWERB) for Newcastle University. In 2022 she was awarded the “UFAW Early Career Animal Welfare Researcher of the year” by the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare.