Aurélie joined SAFOSO AG as a Senior Consultant in 2024, after relocating from Aotearoa New Zealand where she worked in research and government roles for 20 years. She brings considerable experience working with international stakeholders in both public and private sectors, across animal, plant and aquatic health. She has led many technical projects, workshops and intergovernmental collaborations involving biosecurity operations, trade standards and conservation. More recently she coordinated and managed the involvement of New Zealand government biosecurity scientists in research collaborations on animal and plant health risk assessment, diagnostics and surveillance, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. She has learnt to remain diplomatic and pragmatic with problem-solving, which has been useful when leading initiatives to improve biosecurity behaviours and promote good practices within the primary sector. She also has a keen interest in recognising the value of indigenous knowledge systems and peoples’ experiences to unlock innovation and sustainable solutions to global challenges.

Aurélie received her Degree in Veterinary Medicine from the Veterinary College of Toulouse in France (2002) before heading to New Zealand to complete a PhD in Veterinary Pathology and Epidemiology at Massey University (2007). While undertaking her research in the sub-Antarctic region investigating the causes of mortality in the endangered New Zealand sea lion, she developed a genuine passion for wildlife and how interactions between human, environmental and animal health can impact ecosystem health and biodiversity. This motivated her to keep learning and studying throughout her career, completing postgraduate courses and degrees in veterinary and human public health, aquaculture, environmental resource management and science leadership.

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