University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI
Allyson J. Bennett is a developmental biopsychologist and Professor and Chair of the Psychology Department at UW-Madison. She is the Director of the Harlow Center for Biological Psychology and served as the Faculty Director of the UW-Madison Animal Program from 2015-2022. Professor Bennett’s research expertise is in comparative studies of behavioral and neural development, with the overarching objective of advancing scientific insight into factors that result in individual differences in lifespan health. A complementary aim of Prof. Bennett’s research addresses the need for empirical evidence and decision-making models to inform evolving practices and policy in care and research with animals in a range of captive settings. A core part of her work reflects commitment to engaging in public education and dialogue about science. She has held leadership positions within scientific societies and organizations devoted to animal research policy and has extensive experience and expertise in regulation surrounding animal research. Over the past 10 years she has served as a senior editor and regular blogger for the international animal research advocacy group, Speaking of Research. As a former co-chair of the scientific society coalition, Sharing Truth about Animal Research (STAR), she has given talks at U.S. congressional briefings organized to inform legislators about animal research. Her commitment to public engagement is also reflected through media work, including interviews with journalists at Science, Nature, Mother Jones, Chronicle of Higher Education, Buzzfeed, and The Economist, among others. She has served as President of the Society of Behavioral Neuroscience and Comparative Psychology, on the Board of Trustees of the Scientists Center for Animal Welfare, the Board of Scientific Affairs at the American Psychological Association (APA), and the Board of Directors for Public Responsibility in Medicine & Research. Professor Bennett’s work to advance public education and dialogue about ethics and animal research has been recognized with awards and honors that include the Leadership in Science Advocacy Award from APA, the Charles River Ethics and Animal Welfare Lecturer, and the Synapse Award for Outstanding Neuroscience Outreach.
[IN-PERSON] Half Day Workshop: Building Community Support for Your Animal Research Program
Sunday, December 3, 2023
1:00 PM – 4:15 PM ET