22-04-2025
Irish researchers among winners at BSAS awards
The British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) has announced the winners of its 2025 awards, which recognise exceptional contributions to animal science, research, and industry advancement.
These awards, presented at the BSAS annual conference at the Galway Bay Hotel, showcase the innovative work and scientific excellence driving progress across the field.
The industry prize was awarded to Sarah Woodmartin of Teagasc for her study on the effect of sward type on growth performance, enteric methane output and the rumen microbiome in lambs during the post-weaning period.
The judges said that her research offers practical insights into sustainable livestock production.
Kevin Linehan, of Teagasc was one of the joint winners of the innovation prize for his work with bacteriocin-producing lactic acid bacteria as silage inoculants to reduce methane emissions in dairy cattle.
Riccardo Bica, from ZELP was the other winner of the prize for the development of a field-deployable device for continuous methane and carbon dioxide emission measurement in cattle, offering a scalable alternative to traditional respiration chambers.
BSAS
Siobhán O'Callaghan, Queen's University Belfast, received the president's prize for her work on feeding behaviour in Holstein cattle fed different milk allowances as calves.
Her research contributes to our understanding of early-life nutrition and its long-term impacts on animal health and performance.
The best poster award was presented to Rischi Robinson Male Here of Teagasc for his work on the effect of inorganic nitrogen fertiliser application rates pre-grazing on rumen and blood variables of post-weaned dairy-beef calves.
The research provides new understanding into the physiological effects of fertiliser strategies on young ruminants.
The prestigious Sir John Hammond Award, the highest honour bestowed by BSAS, was awarded to Dr Craig Lewis in recognition of his outstanding contributions to animal science, pioneering research, and lasting impact on industry practice.
Craig's leadership and commitment to advancing the sector continue to inspire scientists and practitioners alike.
Dr Craig Lewis being presented with the Sir John Hammond Award
The Christopher Wathes Award went to Lucy Markland, supporting her attendance at BSAS 2025 and enabling her to present her research to a global audience.
May Allan, from Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), the winner of the undergraduate thesis of the year award 2024 also presented her work to the animal science community at the conference.
May's research explores the potential of probiotic supplementation in managing Cryptosporidium infections in young calves.
Fiona Louise Guinan, from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, received the developing talent award for her study on dairy cow resilience, using data-driven detection and quantification of perturbations through daily milk weights.
