Dr. Alex Whittaker is an Associate Professor in Animal Welfare and Law at Adelaide University. She holds undergraduate degrees in veterinary science and law, and a PhD in animal welfare. In her professional role she researches and teaches at the intersection of welfare science, law, and regulation. She also consults on animal legal issues and provides training in relation to regulation of animals in research.
Alex’s research work focuses on the investigation of animal welfare across species, with particular expertise in laboratory animal welfare informed by her professional background in this field. Her research examines how welfare impacts are identified, measured, and interpreted, and how scientific evidence is synthesized and translated into legal, regulatory, and policy frameworks. She has a strong interest in regulatory design, evidentiary standards, and the risks of regulatory capture in animal welfare governance.
Alex has contributed to animal welfare policy at national level, including through engagement with the Australian NHMRC animal welfare committee and Australian Academy of Science Committee membership. She established the first undergraduate animal law course in Australia taught outside of a law school. This course, designed specifically for students in the animal sciences, aims to empower students and future professionals in the animal industries to understand animal legal frameworks and to proactively engage in law reform efforts based on their lived experience. Alex regularly works with regulators, and other policy actors to strengthen evidence-based decision-making for animals.