More bios will be added when available.
Laura Adant
Speaker (In-Person Event) ‒ Breeding Healthy Pets: The Belgian approach
Laura graduated as a veterinarian from the University of Liège in 2022, driven by a lifelong passion for dogs and dog breeding. During her studies, she developed a strong interest in animal genetics, which quickly became her chosen field of specialization. In 2022, she began a doctoral program at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Merelbeke, where her research focuses on the activities and development of the Clinical Genetics Advisory Center for Companion Animals (AKGG).
Through this work, she supports pet owners and breeders in making informed decisions aimed at improving the long-term health and welfare of their animals. Since July 1st, 2025, Laura has served as project manager of the “Breeding Healthy Pets” initiative, a project commissioned by the Flemish government to reduce the prevalence of hereditary diseases in dogs and cats.
Affiliation: University of Ghent
Christina Almtun
Speaker (In-Person Event) ‒ People, pets, planet. Agria’s winning formula as Europe’s largest pet insurer
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CCO for Agria’s European branches. I have a broad background in the insurance industry being the Commercial Director and co-founder of one of Sweden’s fastest growing start-ups within insurance. I have also had several leadership roles at the largest insurer in the Nordics - If.
My favorite dog is the cocker spaniel, especially my own – Jagger.
Affiliation: CCO for Agria’s European branches
Jan-Peter Bach
Speaker (Online Event) ‒ Updates on extreme traits, and vision forward
Dr. Jan-Peter Bach studied Veterinary Medicine in Hannover, Germany, where he also completed his doctoral degree. He worked for a total of nine years as a veterinarian and research associate at the Small Animal Clinic of the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover. His main areas of focus were Internal Medicine and Cardiology.
He subsequently worked in a small animal practice before joining the Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen (VDH, German Kennel Club) in 2022 as Scientific Advisor for Animal Welfare and Animal Health.
Dr. Bach has loved dogs since childhood—whether mixed-breed or purebred—and currently shares his home with a one-year-old Havanese.
Affiliation: VDH (German Kennel Club)
Lauren Bennett
Speaker (In-Person Event) ‒ Influencing Choice: Marketing's Impact on Pet Welfare and Breeding Practices
Lauren Bennett is a Science and Policy Officer in the Companion Animals Department at the RSPCA. Her work focuses on addressing the harms caused by breeding for aesthetics over health and welfare. Using robust scientific evidence, Lauren advocates for government and corporate legislative and policy change.
Lauren has an MSc in animal welfare, behaviour, ethics and law and was a senior lecturer in veterinary nursing before joining the RSPCA.
Affiliation: RSPCA
Arianna Bionda
Speaker (Online Event) ‒ From biodiversity to population management: A genomic roadmap for a modern dog breeding
Speaker (In-Person Event) ‒ Towards integrating genomic and traditional approaches for dog populations: An Italian experience
Arianna Bionda is a veterinarian (DVM) and holds a PhD from the University of Milan. Her research interests lie in animal genomics and biodiversity across domestic species.
Her work in canine genomics includes the characterization of genetic diversity and population structure, the study of biodiversity and local breed characterization, and the identification of genomic regions and specific variants associated with traits of interest and inherited conditions.
Affiliation: University of Milan
Ashleigh Brown
Speaker (Online Event) ‒ Launching a multi-stakeholder human behaviour change programme to address extreme conformation in companion animals
Ashleigh Brown has an academic background in applied ethology, animal welfare science, education and international development, and has worked in scientific advisory and project management roles within the animal charity sector for over 15 years.
In addition to her work with the RSPCA, she has been an animal welfare consultant; a trustee for wildlife and conservation charities; a lecturer and writer on animal welfare topics; and a member of the International Society for Applied Ethology, the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour, and the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare.
Ashleigh has worked or travelled in more than 95 countries, and values opportunities to learn from diverse global cultures.
Affiliation: RSPCA
Rosalind Craddock
Speaker (Online Event) ‒ A method for estimating mutation frequencies based on DNA test results in pedigree dogs
Rosalind Craddock is a PhD student at the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, supported by the Kennel Club Charitable Trust and the University of Edinburgh. Ros’ research focuses on developing tools to enhance population monitoring of disease-causing alleles in pedigree dogs.
She earned a first-class honours BSc in Agricultural Science, with a specialisation in animal science, where she discovered her passion for genetics and its role in improving health, welfare, and breed conservation in livestock and companion animals. Since joining the Highlander Lab, Ros has gained expertise through collaborations with leading experts and through courses in the UK, US, and China.
In 2025, she presented her research at three conferences, including workshops on population genetics and companion animal health. Outside of academia, Ros enjoys cooking and spending time with her four-legged friends, including dogs, cats, horses, goats, and cows.
Affiliation: The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh
Paola Crepaldi
Speaker (Online Event) ‒ From biodiversity to population management: A genomic roadmap for a modern dog breeding
Speaker (In-Person Event) ‒ Towards integrating genomic and traditional approaches for dog populations: An Italian experience
Paola Crepaldi is an Associate Professor of Animal Breeding and Genetics at the University of Milan, working on genomic biodiversity in farm and companion animal species.
Her research encompasses the genomic characterization of Italian dog breeds, the identification of genetic variants associated with traits and health related conditions, and the integration of traditional animal breeding approaches with genomic tools to support sustainable breeding and population management.
Affiliation: University of Milan
Fleur-Marie Desfougères
Facilitator ‒ Theme #3: Global Canine Data Alliance
An Engineer specializing in animal genetics at AgroParisTech in France, Fleur-Marie has worked for Société Centrale Canine since 2015. After an apprenticeship dedicated to the building of LOF Select, a website with all pedigree information for French purebred dogs, she has led the Health and Genetics department of the Kennel Club where she worked with Mars / Royal Canin to implement DNA panels for each breed.
Currently, Fleur-Marie is CEO of the Société Centrale Canine, one of the largest kennel clubs in the world.
She has been part of IPFDogs, representing the French Kennel Club since the Paris Workshop in 2017, and was elected Vice-Chairman of IPFDogs in 2025.
Affiliation: Société Centrale Canine
Monica Dreijer
Speaker (Online Event) ‒ Enriching life with dogs through research and insights
As part of my role, I work with Agria’s research foundation and related partnerships and across our Business Areas. I have long experience from leading positions within Agria, including Head of Insurance Operations, Head of Business Area Equine and Pets.
On a personal level, I’ve been a breeder of English Springer Spaniels. Currently we have one much loved English springer spaniel in the family, Nimbus.
Affiliation: Director of Business support and Sustainability, Agria Group
Charlotte Funck Ekelund
Speaker (In-Person Event) ‒ People, pets, planet. Agria’s winning formula as Europe’s largest pet insurer
I have a long experience from leading roles in marketing & communications in international companies within fast moving consumer goods and retail, as Unilever and EssilorLuxottica.
I am a dog lover and I grew up with a basset hound and later a golden retriever. Recently, we expanded our family with a small toy poodle named Vilda.
Affiliation: CMO Agria Group
Åke Hedhammar
Speaker (Online Event) ‒ Aims and Activities of The International Collaborative on Extreme Conformation in Dogs (ICECDogs)
Åke Hedhammar DVM, M Sc, PhD is senior Professor in Internal Medicine – Small Animals and Dipl. in Internal Medicine –CA (passive). His main research is on the epidemiology and genomics of spontaneously occurring complex traits in dogs (diseases and behaviour) and their use as models for human medicine. He is member of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Hereditary Disease Committee. Dr. Hedhammar was the initiator of 1st International Dog Health Workshop in Stockholm 2012.
Affiliation: ICECDogs
Dr. Joanna Ilska
Speaker (Online Event) ‒ From Population Analyses to Collaborative Pathways in Genetic Diversity Management
Joanna has always been interested in animals and more specifically, the power, complexity and ethics of breeding animals to suit human needs. This has led to her completing her first degree in BSc Applied Biosciences (Animal Science) in 2008, followed by an MSc in Quantitative Genetics and Genome Analysis at the University of Edinburgh in 2009. In 2014 she completed her PhD in Genomic Prediction of Breeding Values in Broiler Chickens at the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh.
Following her PhD, she worked as a Research Fellow on a number of projects in a wide range of species, before joining The Kennel Club in 2021.
Her main expertise lies in prediction of breeding values for complex traits, using large scale genomic data such as whole genome sequences. In private life, Joanna is a “dog person”, keenly involved in dog training and dog sports with her Russian Black Terrier, Falka.
Affiliation: Genetics Research Manager at The Kennel Club (UK)
Liisa Lilja-Maula
Speaker (Online Event) ‒ Updates on extreme traits, and vision forward
Liisa Lilja-Maula DVM, PhD has graduated from University of Helsinki, Finland, where she has also earned her PhD (2015) and later the title of Docent. Her research focuses on conformation related welfare issues in dogs, mainly brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) and skeletal disorders.
Since 2017, she has been working as Veterinarian at the Finnish Kennel Club. Combined with her research, her work as a scrutinizer of skeletal radiographs for breeding selection and as a veterinary advisor offers a unique opportunity to advance canine health and welfare.
Affiliation: Finnish Kennel Club
Aimée Llewellyn-Zaidi
Speaker (Online Event) ‒ International Dog Health Resources - the Dog Wellness Network
Aimée is responsible for maintaining and developing IPFD's Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs database, as well as resources for genetic and health education and support. This includes updating the genetic phenes (test) information, Breed Relevance Rating, and communication with our Collaborating Experts. In addition, Aimée fields queries from our DogWellNet.com members and breeders on issues related to genetics and genetic counselling.
Formerly Head of Health and Research at the (Royal) Kennel Club, Aimée provided bespoke advice to Kennel Club clients, and developed evidence-based canine health resources and engagement programs for the public and professional. Aimée's experience includes development of health teams and collaboration building, active engagement and involvement with committees such as the Kennel Club and British Veterinary Association (Canine Health Schemes); direct collaboration with international universities, and the former Kennel Club Genetics Centre at the Animal Health Trust, and engagement with projects such as Vet Compass (RVC). She is an experience presenter, with engagements ranging from BSAVA Congress to virtual genetic education meetings, as well as numerous publications and media engagements. Aimée was also involved in the initial development of the journal “Canine Genetics and Epidemiology,” and remains active as an editorial board member.
When not working on the Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs, Aimée spends her time walking her Pembroke Welsh Corgis, McDuff and Poppy.
Affiliation: Project Director, International Partnership for Dogs
Charlotte McNamara
Theme Leader ‒ Theme #1: Supply and Demand
Speaker (In-Person Event) ‒ Kennel Clubs: How do we thrive in a changing canine landscape?
I have worked at the Royal Kennel Club for 14 years managing our health and breeding programmes and notably supporting the introduction of the Royal Kennel Club/University of Cambridge Respiratory Function Grading Scheme(2018), The Royal Kennel Club CKCS Heart Scheme(2019), The Royal Kennel Club IVDD Scheme for Dachshunds(2021) and introducing the Breeding for Health Framework(2026).
This is an indication of my passion and drive to enable dog breeders to adapt and evolve their breeding programmes by utilising evidence-led breeding tools and translating the science in a meaningful and impactful way for our breeding community.
I am the third generation of my family to have been involved in showing, breeding, and exhibiting pedigree dogs and have been fortunate enough to blend my professional skillset with my passion. It is a privilege to work for the Royal Kennel Club and to be a small part of its rich history and to ensure we can continue to welcome people into our community and celebrate owning and breeding pedigree dogs.
Affiliation: The Royal Kennel Club
Anne-Charlotte Möller Koivisto
Speaker (Online Event) ‒ Enriching life with dogs through research and insights
I’m a Swedish specialist in the diseases of dogs and cats, as well as in internal medicine, and my main focus is supporting our partner clinics and practicing veterinarians.
I live in central Stockholm with my family and our two Siamese cats – cats have been a natural part of my life since I was seven years old.
Affiliation: Chief Veterinary Officer, Agria Djurförsäkring
Elodie Morel, DVM
Speaker (Online Event) ‒ Update on Choose Health Royal Canin Initiative and Coalition
After graduating in 2006, Elodie was a practitioner for four years in the south of France. She joined Royal Canin in 2010 as a scientific communication manager in R&D, and in 2017 moved to the position of Pro New Business Genetic Accelerator to develop the Wisdom Panel genetic testing service for breeders. Since 2022, Elodie has been in charge of the global pro ecosystem for Royal Canin with a main focus on pets’ health & well-being, and she had the honor of joining the FCI Health and Welfare Committee for dogs worldwide.
Affiliation: Royal Canin
Dr ir Pieter Oliehoek
Speaker (In-Person Event) ‒ Decision tools for managing genetic diversity: Mean Kinship and beyond
Dr ir Pieter Oliehoek (PhD) is Scientific Director and founder of Dogs Global. Involved in dog breeds since the age of eleven and a breed club board member at fourteen, he has been immersed in the dog world for over three decades. He studied biology at Wageningen University, where he researched population genetics of dog breeds, and later completed a PhD on conserving genetic diversity in rare domestic breeds and captive endangered species.
Pieter brings together three disciplines: deep knowledge of the dog world, conservation genetics, and 20 years of ICT experience. He introduced Mean Kinship — a tool long used in zoo breeding programmes — to the dog world, making it practical for breeders and breed clubs. He has been a member of the Health Committee of the Raad van Beheer (Dutch Kennel Club). Through Dogs Global, he combines these skills to improve dog health with accessible data and scientific tools.
Affiliation: Dogs Global
Rowena Packer
Speaker (In-Person Event) ‒ The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Real-World Outcrossing and Crossbreeding Experiences
Rowena is a companion animal behaviour and welfare scientist and is currently Senior Lecturer in Companion Animal Behaviour and Welfare Science at the Royal Veterinary College. Rowena leads a research group exploring diverse topics in this area, including the impact of chronic and breed-related disorders on dog behaviour and welfare, the impact of owner knowledge, attitudes and behaviour on canine welfare, caregiver burden and dog production systems.
She has received >£2 million of research funding from diverse sources, with >£1 million held as Principal Investigator. Rowena has co-authored >100 peer reviewed papers and book chapters on canine and feline welfare since 2012 and co-edited the textbook ‘Health and Welfare of Brachycephalic (Flat-faced) Companion Animals’ (2021).
Rowena holds a PhD from the Royal Veterinary College (2013) which explored the impact of extreme conformation on canine health, results of which have gone on to influence international animal welfare legislation.
Rowena is a founding member of Brachycephalic Working Group and the Legal Advisory Group on Extreme Conformation in Dogs.
Rowena was awarded the BSAVA Ray Butcher Award in 2026 for outstanding contributions to canine welfare science and leadership in addressing major welfare challenges.
Affiliation: Royal Veterinary College
Helle Friis Proschowsky
Speaker (In-Person Event) ‒ Boosters and barriers – understanding health screening behaviour among breeders
Helle Friis Proschowsky is an associate professor at the University of Copenhagen's Department for Veterinary and Animal Sciences. She is a veterinarian by training and received her PhD degree in 2003 with a thesis entitled "Genetic and Epidemiological studies of Danish dog populations".
From 2003 to 2010, she was employed first as assistant professor and then associate professor in Animal Genetics. Her primary research field was molecular genetic methods for the diagnosis of hereditary diseases and as a tool for population genetic studies of dog populations. In the period 2010 to 2023, she was employed as a special consultant and genetic counsellor at the Danish Kennel Club and helped developing a formal breeder’s education.
In 2023, she returned to the University of Copenhagen in her current position as associate professor. She is affiliated with the Centre for Companion Animal Welfare, and her primary research area is welfare in dogs. She has been involved in several projects concerning the health of dog breeds with extreme conformation such as brachycephaly and is currently working on the potential welfare problems related to the use of cages or crates for dogs.
Helle holds a position as independent expert in the EU Platform on Animal Welfare. This is an interactive network which aims at promoting dialogue among competent authorities, businesses, civil society organisations and scientists on animal welfare issues that are relevant for the Union.
Affiliation: University of Copenhagen
Ishtar Schneider
Speaker (In-Person Event) ‒ Choose Health Coalition: Recommendations on Reducing Low-Welfare Pet Production and Extreme Conformation
Ishtar is the global external communications lead (purpose & sustainability) for Royal Canin helping protect and build the organisation’s brand and reputation through strategic communications.
Previously, Ishtar held several global communications roles at Mars Petcare. Prior to joining Mars, Ishtar spent the past two decades working in leading communication agencies across Australia and Europe with both human and pet health clients to elevate the benefits of human-animal interaction, support efforts to combat pet homelessness and highlight innovations in pet nutrition and science.
Ishtar has worked with numerous pet-focused health organisations, NGOs, Associations and research organisations – and in her current role is helping drive progress for the global CHOOSE HEALTH initiative. CHOOSE HEALTH focuses on driving responsible pet ownership and responsible breeding, working together with partners – veterinarians, vet associations, breeders, canine and feline federations and clubs – along with key stakeholders – governments, non-governmental organizations, and pet owners – for a world that puts pet health first over physical appearance.
Affiliation: Global External Communications Lead, Royal Canin
Dr. Alison Skipper
Theme Leader ‒ Theme #4: Genetic Diversity
Speaker (Online Event) ‒ Updates on extreme traits, and vision forward continues; Breeding for Health Framework
Alison is a vet with a background in first opinion companion animal practice and a PhD in the history of breed-related disease in pedigree dogs. She has extensive experience of pedigree dog health work and has worked as a researcher at the Royal Veterinary College. She is now Veterinary and Research Advisor at the Royal Kennel Club.
Affiliation: The Royal Kennel Club
Francesca Tomlinson
Speaker (Online Event) ‒ How Widespread is BOAS? RFG Insights from 14 More Brachycephalic Breeds
Fran qualified as a veterinary surgeon from the University of Cambridge in 2018 and worked in primary care small animal practice before returning to Cambridge in 2021 to undertake a PhD within the BOAS Research Group under the supervision of Prof Jane Ladlow.
Her research focuses on anatomical variation in brachycephalic dog breeds and its relationship with respiratory function and associated breed-related health conditions. As part of her PhD, she has recruited nearly 900 dogs for clinical BOAS assessment and conducted a CT imaging study of over 160 dogs to investigate skull and airway morphology in detail.
This work contributes to the growing evidence base supporting brachycephalic health and has helped inform expansion of the Royal Kennel Club’s Respiratory Function Grading (RFG) Scheme. Her research aims to improve understanding of disease risk across breeds and support evidence-based approaches to canine health and welfare.
Affiliation: University of Cambridge
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