We are developing integrative approaches to assess animal welfare. Our goal is to study the consequences of enhanced stress-axis activity, resulting from disease, pain and other welfare challenges, at different stages of development, on brain organization and emotional regulation using non-invasive protocols (link to the NRC article here). The study of mechanisms associated with the control of positive and negative emotional states in animals, including humans, is central to our program.

Our long-term objective is to identify and to minimize the sources and consequences of stress and poor welfare and to promote good welfare in a variety of species, including humans. Through these parallel animal and human studies we will offer multi-disciplinary graduate and undergraduate training opportunities in the field of animal welfare. Finally, we would like to understand attitudes toward animal welfare and develop strategies to disseminate information in a very effective way, collaborating with the different groups of stakeholders.

See also the Government`s Action Plan on Animal Welfare