UFAW announces 2025 animal welfare award winners
The Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) has announced its 2025 award winners. The recipients will be presented with their awards, and speak about their work, at the UFAW International Animal Welfare Conference taking place online, on 24-26 June 2025.
UFAW Medal for Outstanding Contributions to Animal Welfare Science 2025 Award Winner
The UFAW Medal for Outstanding Contributions to Animal Welfare Science recognises the exceptional achievements of an individual scientist who has made fundamental contributions to the advancement of animal welfare over a number of years. The award is open to individuals anywhere in the world, whose research, teaching, service and advocacy has significantly benefited the welfare of animals.
T
he 2025 winner of the UFAW Medal is Professor Ngaio Beausoleil of Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University, where she serves as Professor of Animal Welfare Science and Co-Director of the Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre in the School of Veterinary Science - Tāwharau Ora.
Professor Beausoleil’s research employs behavioural and physiological methods to investigate various aspects of animal welfare, and she has authored more than 100 publications. A key focus in her work has been her systematic, science-based approach to evaluating welfare impacts and she has been closely involved in the evolution of the Five Domains Model for more than a decade. While she continues to explore various aspects of domestic animal behaviour and welfare, she has a strong interest in wild animal welfare and its evaluation. Her work at the interface of welfare and conservation sciences includes evaluation of the impacts of ‘pest’ control, captive management, and identification marking for research.
Professor Beausoleil has also provided significant scientific support, policy advice, and research to governments, animal industries, and veterinary professional bodies both in New Zealand and internationally. Her numerous accolades include the Massey University Team Research Medal, the Wiley-Blackwell Prize, and the Massey College of Sciences Research Award.
In response to receiving the award, Professor Beausoleil said:
“I’m thrilled to receive this award from the leading animal welfare science organisation in the world. And I’m grateful to the previous winners of this award and so many other excellent colleagues for fostering a discipline in which I can merge my two passions: science and genuinely improving the lives of animals. What a privilege!”
Commenting on Professor Beausoleil’s award, Dr Huw Golledge, UFAW Chief Executive, said:
The breadth and depth of Ngaio’s work is impressive, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to animal welfare science. Her work alongside colleagues has led to the Five Domains model becoming a cornerstone of 21st Century animal welfare. Ngaio’s approach to animal welfare is rigorous and always based on the evidence, an approach which aligns closely with UFAW’s. Also in common with UFAW, Ngaio does not shy away from tackling difficult subjects where there is huge potential to make real-world improvements in animal welfare. Alongside her research, her commitment to supporting students and others in the field is helping to ensure that animal welfare continues to develop as a rigorous scientific discipline which truly benefits millions of animals. I can’t think of a more worthy winner for this year’s award.”
UFAW Early Career Animal Welfare Researcher of the year 2025 Award Winner
The UFAW Early Career Animal Welfare Researcher of the Year Award recognises the achievements of early career scientists who have made significant contributions to improving the welfare of animals.
The recipient of the UFAW Early Career Researcher of the Year Award 2025 is Dr Benjamin Lecorps, a lecturer in Animal Welfare, Ethics and Sustainable Agriculture at the University of Bristol. He holds a PhD in Applied Animal Biology from the University of British Columbia.
Dr Lecorps is dedicated to using robust scientific methods to improve the welfare of captive animals. His research primarily focuses on better understanding the affective (emotional) experiences of animals, particularly dairy cattle, when subjected to routine farm procedures such as disbudding and feed restrictions.
Additionally, Dr Lecorps is interested in exploring how policymakers regulate farm practices to meet public demands for higher welfare standards. He believes that improving animal welfare is a necessary step toward achieving more sustainable agricultural practices. To this end, his research also considers broader sustainability challenges, such as climate change and biodiversity loss, and explores strategies for improving animal welfare while simultaneously addressing these global issues through win-win solutions.
In response to receiving the award, Dr Lecorps said:
“I am truly honoured to receive this year’s UFAW Early Career Animal Welfare Researcher of the Year Award! The journey to my current role required some perseverance, but every challenge along the way was absolutely worth it. Working to improve the lives of captive animals is both a humbling and deeply rewarding responsibility—one that constantly inspires me. I feel incredibly fortunate to collaborate with amazing students and colleagues and to have had the guidance of exceptional mentors, including Profs Marina von Keyserlingk, Dan Weary, Mike Mendl, and Christophe Féron. Their support has shaped my path, and I’m excited for what’s ahead in the pursuit of better animal welfare!”
Dr Huw Golledge concluded:
~“I’m delighted that Ben has been awarded this year’s Early Career Animal Welfare Researcher of the Year award. In just a few years Ben has established himself as an emerging leader in the field. His dedication to employing rigorous and innovative approaches to understand and ultimately improve the affective states of farmed animals embodies the use of Science in the Service of Animal Welfare which UFAW seeks to support. I look forward to hearing both Professor Beausoleil and Dr Lecorps present their work at the UFAW International Animal Welfare Conference 2025 in June.”
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Notes to Editors:
About the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare:
The Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) is an international, independent scientific and educational animal welfare charity and membership organisation. UFAW’s vision is a world where the welfare of all animals affected by humans is maximised through a scientific understanding of their needs and how to meet them. UFAW promotes an evidence-based approach to animal welfare by funding scientific research, supporting the careers of animal welfare scientists and by disseminating animal welfare science knowledge both to experts and the wider public.
UFAW offers an extensive resource on genetic welfare issues in companion animals, designed to inform prospective pet owners. These webpages are being actively revised and updated to reflect the latest science-based information. To view the current content, click here.
UFAW’s work relies on the support of members, subscribers, and donors. To learn more about our work, to become a member of UFAW, or to donate, please visit www.ufaw.org.uk/
Media Contact: Carly Halliday (media@ufaw.org.uk)
