Dr. Alexandra Harlander, a researcher in the Department of Animal Biosciences and the Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare (CCSAW) [1] has been awarded the 2026 International Society for Applied Ethology (ISAE) [2]Creativity Award. The prestigious award recognizes researchers whose exceptional creativity generates innovative ideas, concepts, methods or approaches that make meaningful contributions to the field of applied animal behaviour.

Harlander said she was “honored” and humbled to receive this recognition”.

“Receiving this award is truly meaningful to me, and I am deeply grateful for the recognition from my international peers” said Dr. Harlander.

Dr. Harlander developed and now leads an innovative and interdisciplinary research program that explores the objective assessment of bird welfare. Her research considers the health and motivations (preferences tests, including demand analysis) of birds to provide insight on how the birds perceive their environment. In doing so, her research has shed light on how environmental changes can be made to improve the quality of life for domestic birds. In conjunction with her research program, she mentors graduate and undergraduate students; this allows her the opportunity to instruct and inspire the next generation of animal scientists, agricultural engineers and veterinarians on identifying and solving domestic bird welfare problems.

Earlier this year, Dr. Harlander was also selected as the next Egg Farmers of Canada (EFC) Research Chair in Poultry Welfare [3]. The appointment reflects her internationally respected leadership and science and is part of a renewed $1.3 million investment that ensures research at the University of Guelph continues to guide animal care standards and inform management decisions.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Harlander on this well-deserved award!