Rate My Professor Mike King

Associate Professor Mike King serves as Head of the Department of Bioethics at the University of Otago's Bioethics Centre in Dunedin, part of the Faculty of Medicine. His academic qualifications include a Bachelor of Applied Science with Honours (BApplSc Hons), a PhD in animal science from Massey University in 2004 focusing on nutrition and immunology, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (PGDipArts) from the University of Otago. Drawing on his early training in the life sciences and expertise in moral and political philosophy, King's research centers on animal ethics, particularly the ethical treatment of animals in research, farming, veterinary practice, and companionship. He also investigates the ethics and regulation of reproductive and enhancement technologies, the treatment of novel beings, human cadavers, and facilitated aid in dying.

In teaching, King coordinates and lectures BITC 201 Bioethics and the Life Sciences and BITC 202 Animal Ethics, lectures BITC 407 Advanced Health Research Ethics, and acts as PhD Coordinator for the Bioethics Centre. He supervises students at all levels on animal ethics, scientific research ethics, assisted reproductive technologies, and enhancement ethics, and conducts workshops on research animal ethics. King holds key committee roles, including membership on the National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee (NAEAC), Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching (ANZCCART), Animal Welfare Network Aotearoa, Zoo and Aquarium Association Ethics Committee, and International Council for Laboratory Animal Science Oceania Region.

His scholarly output includes over 30 publications, with more than 350 citations noted on ResearchGate. Notable works are "Ethical issues concerning UK veterinary surgeons practicing in equine sports medicine" (Equine Veterinary Journal, 2025, co-authored with Allen, Anderson, and Mullan), "Implications of moral uncertainty: implausible or just underexplored?" (Journal of Medical Ethics, 2019), "Animal researchers shoulder a psychological burden that animal ethics committees ought to address" (Journal of Medical Ethics, 2021), and recent conference papers and webinars on animal welfare law and ethics policy. King's contributions shape national and international standards in bioethics, particularly animal research ethics.