Professor Emeritus awarded for services to animal welfare
Professor Joy Mench.
Professor Emeritus Joy Mench has been awarded the 2021 Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) Medal for Outstanding Contributions to Animal Welfare Science.
Professor Mench received the honour in recognition of more than 40 years’ work to improve the welfare of farm, companion, zoo and laboratory animals. She will receive her award at UFAW’s virtual Advances in Animal Welfare Science VIII Conference on 29 June.
“I’m delighted that this years’ UFAW medal recognises the work of Professor Joy Mench who exemplifies UFAW’s mission to promote Science in the Service of Animal Welfare,” commented UFAW’s chief executive Dr Huw Golledge. “Professor Mench has not only done fundamental research to better understand animal welfare issues, she has used her expertise to ensure that her research and that of others actually benefits animals. I cannot think of a more worthy winner.”
During her 40-year career, Professor Mench has been fundamental in bringing about substantial science-based change on farms, in zoos and laboratories. She has served on two World Animal Health Organisation animal welfare standards committees, as well as on the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation committee for Capacity Building for Animal Welfare.
Professor Mench is a member or chair of the animal welfare scientific advisory committees of various organisations, including commodity and trade groups, food retailers and food distributors. She has also contributed to animal care guidelines and auditing programmes for United Egg Producers, National Chicken Council, Humane Heartland, Certified Humane, Federation of Animal Sciences Societies, and the National Research Council.
With more than 165 peer-reviewed publications to her name, Professor Mench’s work is widely cited. Her most important scientific journal articles highlight her contributions to farm, zoo and laboratory animal welfare. She has also contributed to, edited or co-edited multiple books.
“Professor Mench has had widespread influence, in part, because she lives a life of service. She is brilliant at translating science into practice for day-to-day care of animals,” said Professor Cassandra Tucker, Director of the Center for Animal Welfare, UC Davis, California, who nominated Professor Mench for the award. “Her brilliance is characterised by her quick wit, her compassion and her ability to include and address many perspectives…
"She has made fundamental contributions to the advancement of animal welfare through her research, service, teaching and diplomatic advocacy. Captive animals live better lives because of Joy Mench.”
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.
