Ellen Deelen

Ellen Deelen is an Assistant Professor at Utrecht University's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Population Health Sciences, specializing in Animal Welfare Ethics and Sustainable Animal Stewardship. Her work bridges veterinary practice, societal ethics, and policy frameworks.

• Research Focus: Human-animal relationships, end-of-life decision-making, and ethical challenges in animal care influenced by religion, culture, and regulations.
• Education: Develops courses on euthanasia-related issues in veterinary practice to prepare future veterinarians for complex ethical decisions.
• External Collaborations: Conducts government- and NGO-commissioned research projects, particularly in agricultural and companion animal contexts.
• Selected Activities: Invited talks on euthanasia practices (2022–2025), member of the Regulatory Group for Piglet Euthanasia Guidelines (2016).