TEAM LEADER
Dr. Edward Narayan is Senior Lecturer of Animal Science in the School of Agriculture and Food Sciences since 2019. Edward graduated with a Ph.D. degree in Biology from the University of the South Pacific and pioneered non-invasive reproductive and stress endocrinology tools for amphibians - the novel development and validation of non-invasive enzyme immunoassays for the evaluation of reproductive hormonal cycle and stress hormone responses to environmental stressors. Dr. Narayan was also a recipient of the Gold Medal Award for undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree (Biology and Chemistry) from the USP.
Dr. Narayan has extensive postdoctoral research fellowship training in institutions spanning 4 countries (New Zealand-Landcare Research), Australia (Griffith University), India (Australian Academy of Science Early Career Fellowship – University of Pune), and Canada (Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan).
In 2010, Edward joined Griffith University, Queensland with a successful Vice-Chancellor's postdoctoral fellowship. Edward initiated an innovative long-term research program based on the Conservation Physiology of wildlife. Edward's dynamic career research platform is based on the thematic areas of comparative vertebrate physiology, stress endocrinology, reproductive endocrinology, animal health and welfare, and conservation biology. Edward's research team comprising of supervised Honours, Masters and Ph.D. students (and numerous student volunteers) have made significant new discoveries, including understanding the sub-clinical physiological impacts of the debilitating pathogenic disease (chytridiomycosis) on amphibians; the physiological impacts and fitness consequences of acute and chronic environmental stressors on amphibians. Edward has also developed non-invasive stress hormone monitoring tools for marsupials such as the Koala, Woylie, and the endangered Greater Bilby. Edward has also studied the stress physiology, health, and welfare of Tigers in Australian and Indian Zoos.
Edward has supervised over 50 undergraduate special topics, Honours, Masters, and Ph.D. students (4 UQ HDR Completions) in Australia and from overseas. Edward has published over 90 peer-reviewed research in collaboration with researchers in Australia such as Murdoch University, Sydney University, University of Melbourne, Macquarie University, Deakin University and Griffith University, and internationally (USA, India, Canada, and New Zealand). Edward also has active on-going research collaborations internationally (e.g. India, Spain, France, Argentina, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pacific Islands, Canada, Brazil, and the USA).
Edward's current research program focuses on building resilience in animals through a combination of physiological, behavioral, and management practice approaches to boost animal health, welfare, and productivity. He leads the Stress Lab and is also an affiliate Senior Research Fellow of the Queensland Alliance of Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI).
Edward's research program connects with livestock farmers and wildlife conservations groups across Australia and currently focuses on Merino sheep and koala welfare improvements through industry funded research. He is also the recipient of the 2016 Young Rural Innovator Award with funding received from Meat and Livestock Australia on stress and shade in spring lamb meat quality.
Edward currently holds Deputy Director role of SAFS, UQ and membership iof several key journals such as Conservation Physiology, Frontiers in Veterinary Sciences and BMC Zoology. He is also Category B member of the UQ Animal Ethics Committee (NEWMA).
Edward also currently represents the University of Queensland (UQ), as a LINK member for the Universities Federation of Animal Welfare (UFAW).
https://www.ufaw.org.uk/university-links-scheme/university-links-scheme
Research Impact:
Scopus H-Index = 24, 1620 citations, 96 scientific publications