Phil Cowan

Dr Cowan has experience in working on a wide range of aspects of management of introduced mammal pests. He currently leads a team of 20 research and technical staff with a focus on development of new tools, technologies and strategies for management of vertebrate pests, including fertility control, and animal welfare issues in pest management. This has involved the commercialisation of several pest control products.

Phil also has a more general interest in biosecurity and invasive species, having previously functioned as biosecurity manager for Landcare Research, and been involved in international invasive species issues.

Phil holds a B.Sc. Hons. (1970, Glasgow) and a Ph.D. (1975, ANU) in Zoology. He is also a Graduate of the New Zealand Institute of Company Directors 2006, sits on the management board of three New Zealand research consortia and is a director of Sirtrack, Landcare Research’s subsidiary company for wildlife tracking solutions. Phil is also a member of New Zealand’s National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee.