Our People
Led by founding Director Professor Julia BEATTY, our Centre members include faculty Professor Vanessa BARRS,
Professor Paulo STEAGALL, Professor Alan McELLIGOTT,
and our team of research associates.
We recognize the value of teamwork in solving complex problems and, to this end, work with an extensive and increasing network of collaborators both locally and around the globe.
Members
Prof. Julia BEATTY
Founding Director
"Our research on companion animal infectious disease focuses on identifying novel cancer-causing viruses. The long term aim of this program is to improve the lives of pets and their people by reducing cancer suffering in pets."
Chair Professor Vanessa Barrs, a specialist in Feline Medicine, co-leads an internationally recognized team investigating infectious diseases of companion animals.
Professor Barrs holds the BOCHK Chair Professor in Veterinary Medicine upholding a commitment to promote One Health through veterinary research.
As a board-certified anaesthesiologist and pain management specialist, Professor Steagall is always committed to improve pain management in animals with a strong benefit to animal welfare.
Professor Steagall and his team developed Feline Grimace Scale, a tool that uses changes in facial expressions to assess acute pain in cats.
"My research group is focused on understanding how evolution, ecology and domestication have affected animal behaviour and welfare. The current main model species for our research are cattle, water buffalo, goats, chickens, dogs and kangaroos. We also study how the public develop their attitudes to animal sentience and welfare."
