Research Officer Dr Natasha Boyland joins panel on animals and AI at the Oxford Real Farming Conference 2026
Animals and AI Research Officer at the Jeremy Coller Centre for Animal Sentience, Dr Natasha Boyland, took part in a panel discussion at the Oxford Real Farming Conference (ORFC) 2026: "Sentient Beings: What Science and AI Reveal About Farmed Animals". The panel explore how rapidly developing AI technologies could influence our understanding of animal sentience and shape future policy and practice.
Chaired by Anthony Field, UK Campaign Leader at Compassion in World Farming (CIWF), the panel brought together experts from research, veterinary practice and regenerative farming. Natasha was joined by Professor Françoise Wemelsfelder (Scotland’s Rural College), Dr Sean Wensley (animal welfare researcher and former BVA President), and Clare Hill (regenerative farmer at Planton Hill Farm).
The discussion examined both the opportunities and risks of AI for animals - from the potential to generate new insights into behaviour and sentience, to concerns about how automated decision‑making might distance humans from the animals they care for. Panellists reflected on what needs to be considered as AI systems become more integrated into farming, animal monitoring and research, emphasising the importance of ethical frameworks, transparency and continued human oversight in this fast‑moving space.