Alexandra Whittaker

Associate Professor Alexandra Whittaker is affiliated with the University of Adelaide, where she leads the Animal Welfare, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience (AWCAN) laboratory and directs the Evidence Synthesis Initiative for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (ESIAVS). Her work bridges animal welfare science, law, and evidence-based practice to address societal and policy challenges in animal industries.

• Faculty: Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology

Her research focuses on developing innovative methods to assess animal welfare, particularly using artificial intelligence to detect positive emotional states in animals like zoo-housed species. She also explores the governance of animal research, virtual fencing technology impacts, and evidence synthesis methodologies.

Key projects include:

• Evaluating public attitudes toward animal research governance
• Mapping risk of bias tools in animal science
• Testing cognitive enrichment devices for otters

Scientific recognition includes:

• NHMRC Peter Doherty Fellowship
• Fresh Science Award
• South Australian Young Tall Poppy