Dr
Ambur Balakrishnan Mohan Raj was born on 25th February 1957, as
a tenth child to Mr Ambur Balakrishnan and Mrs Kokilambal Balakrishnan,
in a traditionally agricultural family in rural Southern India. Married
to Mrs Rajeswari Raj and have a son Master Jagan Raj.
Attended
Hindu Primary and High Schools, Islamiah College and graduated in 1981 with a
first class BVSc degree from Madras Veterinary College (MVC), India. Awarded a
Junior Research Fellowship by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research to pursue
MVSc in Meat Hygiene and Technology at MVC and was awarded a first class degree
in 1983. Awarded a visiting studentship by the Queen's University of Belfast in
Northern Ireland to study for PhD (1984-1988).
Started
postdoctoral research in 1988 at the Food Research Institute-Bristol Laboratory
and then employed as a Research Associate within the Division of Food Animal Science,
University of Bristol. Currently employed as a Senior Research Fellow within the
Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol.
Research
interest is animal welfare, especially during stunning and slaughter, funded by
the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, UK and the European Union.
Developed a novel and humane killing system, using inert gases, for poultry and
pigs. Published over 40 original scientific papers in international journals and
authored chapters in text and special reference books.
Has
been an invited speaker at the international conferences and a working group member
of the European Commission Scientific Veterinary Committee on Animal Health and
Welfare; presently, a member of the European Food Safety Authority panel on Animal
Health and Welfare.
