Academics from Hartpury University recently presented to delegates at the International Society for Anthrozoology (ISAZ) Conference 2023, exploring a range of human-animal interaction topics. During the event, held at the University of Edinburgh, it was also announced that Hartpury University will host the ISAZ Conference from 27-30 June 2024.
Dr Clare Thomas-Pino, Hartpury University Senior Lecturer and Programme Manager of the BSc (Hons) Human-Animal Interaction with Psychology was joined by her colleague Dr Darcy Bornemann, Lecturer and Process Advisor, as well as Beth Ritchie, a BSc (Hons) Human-Animal Interaction graduate.
Dr Thomas-Pino was the invited guest speaker (or symposium discussant) for ‘Measurement and Mechanism of Change in Equine-Assisted Interventions’. She reviewed the complexities of researching human-equine interaction, focusing particularly on the implications for horses in Equine-Assisted Services (EAS).
No stranger to the work of the organisation, Dr Thomas-Pino is a board member of ISAZ and chairs the host committee for the 2024 conference.
Dr Bornemann, co-chair of the 2024 conference host committee, presented a poster ‘Matters of Context: Educating about human-animal interaction and developing critical thinkers’. The poster explored the unique approach of the Animals in Society module, a core element of the BSc (Hons) Human-Animal Interaction with Psychology, BSc (Hons) Animal Training and Performance and BSc (Hons) Canine Training and Performance degrees.
The module is distinct from its often human-centric anthrozoology or animal science counterparts. The poster demonstrated how the module structure gets students to consider the wider context around human-animal interaction and develops their critical thinking skills. Consequently, the module supports the Human-Animal Interaction with Psychology programme's relatively unique aim to actively balance the wellbeing of animals and humans.
Beth Ritchie, a BSc (Hons) Human-Animal Interaction graduate and 2022 Hartpury Human-Animal Interaction award winner, presented her poster, created with supervision from Professor Vicky Melfi. Lead the Way: The Effects of Dog-Led Lead Walks on the Behaviour of Pet Dogs explored whether allowing a dog to choose the route and pace of a walk could result in an increase in natural sniffing behaviour and a reduction in signs of stress (such as panting and lip-licking). In the four breeds investigated as part of the project, dog-led walks were found to present more opportunities for sniffing behaviour when compared to owner-led walks where sniffing was restricted.
Research remains a vital component of Hartpury’s work and both staff and students are actively engaged with a wide range of research projects. The institution recently hosted its annual Research Conference: Making a Difference (14 July 2023) and outputs submitted as part of REF 2021 were recognised as ‘world-leading’ and ‘internationally excellent’.
Opportunities to present research projects and engage with industry have no doubt contributed to Hartpury’s high graduate employability rates. In fact, 97% of graduates are in employment, further study or other purposeful activity according to the latest data released by HESA as part of its Graduate Outcomes 2023 survey, putting Hartpury first in the South West and in the top 10% in the UK for graduate employability. Students have plenty of opportunities to gain real-world experiences on campus and through work experience via our network of over 3,000 employers. In 2024, students will also be able to take advantage of volunteering opportunities at the ISAZ Conference held at Hartpury.
Hartpury University offers a range of animal degrees that lead to a variety of diverse careers in the sector. There’s still time to apply for a place on one of Hartpury University’s animal degrees this autumn.
Hartpury University ranks 1st in the South West and 6th in the UK for Teaching Quality, according to The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide for 2023.
