Prestigious UK award goes to AFBI’s new Director

AFBI’s new Director of Sustainable Agri-Food Sciences Division, Dr Elizabeth Magowan, recently received the British Society of Animal Science’s most prestigious award – the Sir John Hammond Award in recognition of scientific achievements with industry application in the area of pig research.

Sir John Hammond was a UK animal scientist who pioneered the technology of artificial insemination.  The award, in memory of him, is awarded annually to a UK animal scientist in their early to mid career.  This year the award was presented to Dr Elizabeth Magowan in recognition of her work in the area of pig research and especially her efforts in working alongside industry to deliver real impact for pig farmers.

In her acceptance speech, Elizabeth thanked the pig research team at Hillsborough as well as the funders of the pig research programme at AFBI Hillsborough: DAERA; Pig Regen Ltd; Devenish Nutrition Ltd, and John Thompson and Sons Ltd.

Over the past 20 years, four individuals have received this award as a result of their work at AFBI Hillsborough, they include Dr Sinclair Mayne, Dr Alistair Carson and Dr Tim Keady as well as Elizabeth.  This demonstrates how highly regarded AFBI science is across the UK.

On 1st May 2017, Elizabeth also commenced the role of Director of Sustainable Agri-Food Sciences in AFBI.  Elizabeth succeeds Dr Sinclair Mayne, now AFBI Chief Executive, in this role and will have responsibility for a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines spanning fisheries and aquatic eco-systems, the environment, agricultural economics as well as food, plant and animal sciences.  Commenting on her new role Elizabeth highlighted “There are many funding opportunities currently available for AFBI which will enable the organisation to increase its impact both locally and internationally.  AFBI have a strong track record of working closely with industry to deliver research which has created step changes for farmers and supply chains.  I am looking forward to working with AFBI scientists and stakeholders to further increase AFBI’s reputation as a preferred provider for scientific services to support the local and international agri-food and fisheries sector.”

Notes to editors: 

AFBI carries out high quality technology research and development, statutory, analytical, and diagnostic testing functions for DAERA and other Government departments, public bodies and commercial companies. 

AFBI's Vision is to use scientific excellence to advance the local and global agri-food sector.

All media enquiries to AFBI Press Office

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