UFAW Medal for Outstanding Contributions to Animal Welfare Science
2025 Award Winner
Professor Ngaio Beausoleil
Professor Ngaio Beausoleil 
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.
The 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.”
