Through our research, we develop new diagnostic tests, treatments and vaccines to help thousands of animals.
Meet the world-class scientists spearheading our research programmes.
Head of research
Dr Mark Vaudin
CEO
Mark is an experienced genome scientist and geneticist, whose expertise is recognised internationally. Mark has been CEO of the AHT since 2013.
Read Dr Mark Vaudin's bioBacteriology research
Dr Andrew Waller
Head of Bacteriology Research
Andrew’s research is dedicated to improving the health of animals by reducing the incidence of streptococcal disease, such as Strangles.
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Cancer research in dogs
Dr Mike Starkey
Head of Molecular Oncology
The primary aim of Mike’s research is to identify biomarkers of tumours and tumour behaviour.
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Cancer research in horses
Dr. Anna Hollis
Director of Equine Referral Clinic
Anna is pioneering new ways to treat difficult cancers in horses and is undertaking research to better understand why equines develop sarcoids, to help us understand this cancer further.
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Clinical research in cats and dogs
Dr Luisa De Risio
Head of Neurology/ Neurosurgery, Small Animal, and Head of Clinical Research
RCVS and EBVS® European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology, Luisa’s main areas of interest are epilepsy, hereditary neurological disorders, neurosurgery, and feline neurology.
Read Dr Luisa De Risio's bioClinical research in horses
Dr Rachel Murray
Senior Orthopaedic Advisor, Equine
Rachel Murray specialises in research into lameness, sport horse performance problems and the use of MRI in the diagnosis of bone and soft tissue injuries.
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Disease Surveillance and Epidemiology research
Dr Richard Newton
Director of Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance
Richard advises the equine industry on matters of disease prevention and control and sits on the Veterinary Committees of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (TBA).
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Immunology research
Dr María Rocío López-Álvarez
Postdoctoral Scientist, Immunology
Maria’s research focuses on the function of the innate immune system during strangles, primarily on the initial host/pathogen interactions and how this can lead to the initiation and definition of subsequent adaptive immune responses against S. equi.
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Genetics research
Dr Cathryn Mellersh
Head of Canine Genetics
Cathryn's research aims to understand the genetic basis of inherited conditions that affect specific breeds of dogs. Her team identify the mutation(s) that are associated with inherited diseases and develop DNA tests.
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Stem Cell research
Dr Debbie Guest
Head of Stem Cell Research
Debbie’s research aims to utilise stem cells in veterinary medicine both for therapeutic applications and as a tool to study inherited diseases.
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Virology research
Dr Debra Elton
Head of Virology
Debra's teams are currently studying equine influenza virus (EIV) and equine herpes virus type-1 (EHV-1). Debra has over 30 year’s experience in virology, including influenza virus replication, assembly and transmission.
Read Dr Debra Elton's bio