Katharina Watson

Dr. Katharina Watson is an Associate Professor in Animal Science at the Royal Agricultural University (RAU), where she has held the role of Research Culture Coordinator since 2020. She leads research in livestock disease, antimicrobial resistance, and precision livestock technologies. Prior to RAU, she conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Warwick, focusing on ovine footrot epidemiology. Her academic qualifications include a PhD in Veterinary Epidemiology (University of Warwick, 2017) and a BSc in Animal Science (University of Essex/Writtle College, 2012). She also holds postgraduate certificates in academic practice and teaching in higher education.

Her research focuses on animal health, infectious diseases, and innovative technologies to address challenges in livestock production. Current projects include using Far UV light for livestock disinfection and co-designing breeding strategies for net-zero emissions. She has secured significant grants, including a £321,000 Innovate UK award for UV disinfection studies and £250,000 for Enterococcus cecorum research in broilers.

Dr. Watson is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and actively contributes to networks like the Animal Welfare Research Network and AMR in Agrifood Systems Transdisciplinary Network. Her teaching portfolio includes modules on applied animal science, wildlife ecology, and conservation ethics.

Her advising includes PhD candidates Iris McCormick (virtual livestock fencing) and Jennifer Howse (farmer wellbeing). She has published extensively in journals like One Health, Poultry Science, and Nature Scientific Reports, focusing on antimicrobial resistance, molecular diagnostics, and precision livestock technologies.