Dr. Heather Browning

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Heather Browning is a Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Southampton, specializing in animal ethics and animal minds. She joined the department in 2022 after several years as a postdoctoral researcher focused on animal sentience and welfare at the London School of Economics. During this time, she was part of the research team that produced a DEFRA report reviewing evidence of sentience in cephalopods and decapod crustaceans, which contributed to the inclusion of these animals in the UK's Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act. Heather completed her PhD at the Australian National University in 2020, where her thesis addressed the measurement of animal welfare. Her background includes practical experience as a zookeeper and zoo animal welfare officer, which informs her academic work and focus on the practical application of animal welfare measurement. Currently, her research emphasizes the conceptual and methodological challenges in animal welfare science, aiming to improve the ethical considerations in policy decisions related to animal welfare. She also teaches courses on animal ethics and philosophy of science.

Research Interests

Experience

Lecturer

2022-01-01 — Present

University of Southampton • Southampton, England

Teaches courses on animal ethics, philosophy of animal minds, and the philosophy of science.

Postdoctoral Researcher

— 2022-01-01

London School of Economics • London, England

Conducted research on animal sentience and welfare, contributing to significant policy reports.