Professors Sandra Edwards and Jeff Rushen.

Professors Sandra Edwards and Jeff Rushen receive UFAW medal

Two leading scientists have been awarded the Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) Medal for Outstanding Contributions to Animal Welfare Science.

Professors Sandra Edwards and Jeff Rushen received a commemorative medal and award at the UFAW’s International Symposium at Royal Holloway, University of London (27-29 June).

Professor Edwards from the School of Agriculture at Newcastle University is a worldwide expert on pig welfare. Many of the projects she led involved collaborations between government, academia, NGOs and industry. She has also given her expertise to influential policy/advisory committees such as the Farm Animal Welfare Council and European Food Safety Authority.

Professor Rusden of the Dairy Education & Research Centre, University of British Columbia has co-authored the most important books to date on both cattle welfare and stereotypic animal behaviour.

Over the course of his career, Jeff has published more than 300 papers that provide a model of clear thinking and research excellence. Amongst his work has been a series of papers on how people can become an important source of fear for animals - and how this fear can be mitigated to improve human-animal relationships.

UFAW’s Chief Executive Dr Robert Hubrecht, who will be presenting the awards, said: “Professors Jeff Rushen and Sandra Edwards are both world-leading experts in their fields, who have made substantial contributions to our understanding of farm-animal needs and husbandry. They are very worthy winners of the 2017 UFAW medal.”

The UFAW recognises exceptional achievements of individual scientists who have made fundamental contributions to the advancement of animal welfare over several years.  

The award is open to individuals throughout the world whose research, teaching, service and advocacy has significantly benefitted the welfare of animals.

Image (C) UFAW