Prof. Dr. Karin Hediger is Full Professor for Child and Adolescent Psychology at the University of Lucerne, Switzerland, and Endowed Professor for Anthrozoology at the Open University in the Netherlands. Karin Hediger completed her PhD in Rostock, Germany, and her habilitation in Basel, Switzerland, in the field of human-animal interaction. Karin Hediger’s work focuses on clinical psychology and intervention research. Together with her team, she investigates the effects of animal-assisted interventions and mechanisms of human-animal interactions. She is a licensed psychotherapist and holds certification in animal-assisted therapy, a diploma in equine-assisted therapy and founded a centre for animal-assisted psychotherapy.

Karin Hediger is the president of the Institute for Interdisciplinary Research on Human-Animal Relationship (IEMT Switzerland), founder and president of compas, the Institute for Nature- and Animal-Assisted Interventions, board member of the International Association of Human Animal Interaction Organizations (IAHAIO) and teaches internationally.

Bridging the gap: How can collaboration between research and practice advance animal-assisted services?

Animal-assisted services (AAS) are gaining global recognition for their potential to enhance the well-being of people of all ages and backgrounds. However, the field continues to face challenges relating to the quality and consistency of evidence, as well as the application of research findings in real-world contexts. This talk will explore how meaningful collaboration between researchers and practitioners can advance the field in terms of both rigour and relevance.

Drawing on my experience of conducting research with practitioners and recent empirical findings, I will discuss how insights from practice can inform research questions and how scientific evidence can refine and improve service delivery. The talk will highlight successful models, discuss barriers to effective collaboration, and offer practical strategies to foster sustainable partnerships.

By bridging the gap between research and practice, we can move towards a more integrated and impactful approach to AAS that benefits clients, professionals, animals, and the credibility of the field.