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Leading scientists honoured for animal welfare work
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

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.