Keynote Speakers and Abstract Submission Deadline for International Sheep Veterinary Congress

The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) can share some exciting updates on the International Sheep Veterinary Congress (ISVC), as the countdown to the October 2025 event begins. To be held in the scenic coastal city of Wollongong just over an hours’ drive from Sydney, the congress promises an enriching professional experience coupled with a breathtaking view. 

With just one month left until abstract submissions close, researchers, veterinarians, and industry professionals are being encouraged to submit their recent research, clinical studies, case series, or individual case reports that address key issues in sheep veterinary science.  

Three renowned experts have been confirmed as keynote speakers for the congress, each bringing a wealth of knowledge on highly relevant topics to sheep veterinarians globally. 

Professor Mark Hutchinson is the Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics within the Adelaide Medical School. Mark returned to the University of Adelaide in 2009 as an NHMRC CJ Martin Research Fellow, where he established the Neuroimmunopharmacology research laboratory. From 2005 to 2009, he worked in Professor Linda Watkins' lab at the University of Colorado, where he pioneered research that led to the discovery of novel drug activity at innate immune receptors. Mark’s research has implicated the brain immune-like cells in the action of drugs of dependence and the negative side effects of pain treatments and has published over 130 papers in journals and refereed conference proceedings.

As Professor of Carbon Farming at the University of Melbourne and National program leader in the Carbon Research Centre for Net Zero Agriculture, Richard Eckard will speak on climate change and carbon accounting. His research focuses on carbon farming and accounting towards carbon neutral agriculture, managing extreme climate events and options for agriculture to respond to a changing climate. He developed the first carbon accounting tools in Australia in 2001, these tools now form a national agreed standard in Australia for on-farm carbon accounting; his research and expertise providing the science basis for the development of six carbon offset methods in Australia.  

The ISVC is also honoured to welcome Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) Dr Beth Cookson as a plenary speaker. Beth is an experienced Senior Executive with a demonstrated history of working in the agriculture sector and skilled in Government, Engagement, Biosecurity, Veterinary Medicine, and Epidemiology. Dr Cookson will emphasise the importance of regional collaboration in tackling transboundary animal diseases, highlight our strengths in prevention and preparedness, and address emerging and re-emerging threats in her talk ‘Shared pastures: A collaborative approach to protecting small ruminants from transboundary threats’. 

Participating in the International Sheep Veterinary Congress 2025 provides more than just educational experiences—it’s an opportunity to connect with both the history and future of sheep veterinary science. Engage with a global network committed to advancing the health and welfare of one of the world’s most essential livestock. 

Be a part of shaping the future of sheep veterinary medicine and contribute to our mission of maintaining healthy sheep to nourish and clothe the world. Stay up to date by visiting the congress website.