Dr Alex Tasker
MRCVS, FRSPH, FRAI, SFHEA, DPhil, MSc, BVetMed, BSc
Expertise
Alex is an interdisciplinary One Health expert researching health in conflict, criminality, and displacement. Alex works closely with governments and practitioners to co-create new One Health methods, networks, and projects.
Current positions
Senior Lecturer
Bristol Veterinary School
Contact
Press and media
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Biography
Alex has worked around the globe as a veterinary surgeon and development anthropologist, and holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine from the Royal Veterinary College, London, a Masters in Anthropology, Environment, and Development from University College London, and a PhD in Science and Technology Studies from the University of Sussex.
Alex currently leads a number of interdisciplinary research projects on One Health in complex settings, with a particular focus on hard-to-reach locations and populations including conflict-affected locations, criminal networks, and displaced groups. Alex works closely with policymakers, practitioners, and local communities to develop new tools and methodologies to co-create solutions between marginalised groups and global organisations.
Alex seeks out perspectives that are often excluded from mainstream research, including building access networks and communities across health and security. Alex’s past accomplishments include work with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) and Cabinet Office on the COVID-19 response, and ongoing work to improve the breadth and diversity of research and participation in global health policymaking.
Alex currently leads a number of interdisciplinary research projects on One Health in complex settings, with a particular focus on hard-to-reach locations and populations including conflict-affected locations, criminal networks, and displaced groups. Alex works closely with policymakers, practitioners, and local communities to develop new tools and methodologies to co-create solutions between marginalised groups and global organisations.
Alex seeks out perspectives that are often excluded from mainstream research, including building access networks and communities across health and security. Alex’s past accomplishments include work with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) and Cabinet Office on the COVID-19 response, and ongoing work to improve the breadth and diversity of research and participation in global health policymaking.
Research interests
Alex is an interdisciplinary One Health expert researching health in conflict, criminality, and displacement. Alex works closely with governments and practitioners to co-create new One Health methods, networks, and projects.
Projects and supervisions
Research projects
Quantifying earthquake hazard and enhancing resilience in India
Role
Co-Investigator
Description
The population of India lives under the threat of large and destructive earthquakes. Recent studies by this project team have revealed that the spatial nature of this threat varies significantly…Managing organisational unit
Bristol Veterinary SchoolDates
01/02/2024 to 01/02/2026
Emerging Leaders in Biosecurity
Principal Investigator
Description
The Emerging Leaders in Biosecurity (ELBI) Fellowship inspires and connects the next generation of biosecurity leaders and innovators.
Launched in 2012, ELBI is a highly competitive, part-time program that provides an…Managing organisational unit
Bristol Veterinary SchoolDates
01/12/2023 to 01/12/2024
Narrative Evidence for Science & Technology Advantage through linking Research and Policy
Principal Investigator
Description
The project’s aim is to demonstrate how narrative evidence gathered as
part of storylistening can be used to inform policy decision-making. The specific
challenge identified by the principal policy “client”, the Government…Managing organisational unit
Bristol Veterinary SchoolDates
05/09/2022 to 27/10/2023
The case for investing in animal health to support One Health
Principal Investigator
Description
The Covid-19 pandemic has spotlighted the deep connection
between animals, humans, and the wider environment (including
ecosystems). As a result, the One Health approach is receiving
increased political attention as a solution to…Managing organisational unit
Bristol Veterinary SchoolDates
06/06/2022 to 01/01/2023
Publications
Recent publications
13/07/2023A fair share? Animal health actors and resources in One Health initiatives
CABI One Health
Embedded Social Science and the British Government COVID-19 Response
Anthropology in Action
High reliability knowledge networks: Responding to animal diseases in a pastoral area of northern Kenya
Disaster displacement and zoonotic disease dynamics: The impact of structural and chronic drivers in Sindh, Pakistan
PLoS Global Public Health
Positioning zoonotic disease research in forced migration: A systematic literature review of theoretical frameworks and approaches
PLoS ONE
Teaching
Alex has a wide range of teaching experience, from human and veterinary clinical sessions to biosocial anthropology and complexity. Alex was awarded Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) developing teaching support for Early Career Researchers, in particular applied mixed-methods teaching. Alex is regularly invited to deliver sessions at external institutions, and has a particular specialism in teaching interdisciplinary methods. Alex is the intercalation lead for Bristol Vet School, and heads up the INSPIRE programme to increase veterinary undergraduate engagement with research across the University.