 |
    |
|
|
Dr Kevin Sinclair is this year's winner of the prestigious British Society of Animal Science (BSAS), Sir John Hammond Memorial Prize for outstanding contribution to animal science.
The citation for the award recognised the contribution that Dr Sinclair has made to understanding the efficiency of ruminant reproduction through molecular and cellular experimental approaches and whole animal studies, and his ability to communicate the findings to scientists and farmers.
Dr Sinclair's work has mainly focused on the development and application of reproductive technologies (particularly embryo transfer) in both cattle and sheep, but has also been concerned with the effects of nutrition on fertility. In the last ten years much of his research has been devoted to understanding the causes of some of the developmental problems that accompany the use of IVF technologies.
The insights gained through this work have relevance to both the scientific and medical communities, but are also of practical significance to the livestock industries.
The successful uptake of advanced reproductive technologies can overcome the limitations of low reproductive rate, particularly in ruminant species, so benefiting genetic improvement and the conservation of farm animal genetic resources.
In accepting the award, Dr Sinclair acknowledged the considerable support and guidance he has received over the years from colleagues, in particular the mentorship of Dr Peter Broadbent and Professor John Robinson whilst in Aberdeen and from Professor Bob Webb since moving to Nottingham.
Dr Sinclair is a graduate of the University of Aberdeen, where he also undertook his postgraduate studies leading to the award of PhD. He worked for SAC in Aberdeen as a Senior Research Scientist until August 2003 when he accepted the position of Senior Lecturer in Animal Science at the University of Nottingham.
Dr Sinclair is currently in possession of funding from the National Institutes of Health (USA) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (UK). Set in the context that adult health (e.g. diabetes, stroke and certain cancers) may be programmed whilst the baby is growing in its mother's womb, he is investigating the effects of malnutrition (with particular emphasis on folic acid and vitamin B12) around the time of conception and assisted reproduction procedures (such as IVF) on mechanisms that regulate the expression of developmentally important genes. Studies are being conducted in both sheep and rodents, and with human embryonic stem cells.
ends
Dr Janice Harland
BSAS Press Officer
01285 850661
or
Mike Steele
BSAS Office
0131 445 4508