About
Kirrilly Thompson is an Associate Professor at CQUniversity Australia’s Appleton Institute and a Senior Research Fellow with the National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA). She specializes in applied ethnographic and mixed-methods research across human-animal interactions, risk perception, and cultural dimensions of safety.
- PhD in Cultural Anthropology, University of Adelaide (2007)
- Current roles: Vice President, Horse Federation of South Australia; National Participation Manager, Pony Club Australia
Her research spans equestrian sports, natural disaster preparedness, academic leadership, and socio-cultural aspects of animal welfare. Articles highlight her work on whip-free racing efficacy and gender dynamics in Olympic equestrian events.
- 2020 study in Animals showed whip use doesn’t improve race outcomes
- 2016 analysis of gender segregation in eventing vs dressage
- 2016 risk assessment of horse riding fatalities vs other dangers
Scientific recognition includes:
- ARC DECRA Fellowship (2013)
- ABC Radio National’s Top 5 Scientists Under 40 (2015)
- CQUni Vice Chancellor’s Award (2015)
She has published over 100 peer-reviewed works, including co-authoring (Un)Stable Relations (Routledge, 2018) and two edited volumes on equestrian cultures. Her expertise informs public discourse via The Conversation and policy development in animal welfare and disaster management.
