Presidents Session

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Our featured training videos suitable for wide audiences.

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Videos from the 2023 BSAS conference.

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Training videos designed for students and those in early phases of their careers.

At the British Society of Animal Science (BSAS), we believe in the power of collaboration and shared knowledge to drive advancements in animal science. Our Corporate Membership programme is designed to foster partnerships between industry leaders, researchers, and professionals dedicated to the advancement and sustainable development of the animal science sector.

Corporate membership of BSAS opens a wide range of opportunities and resources that are designed to enhance your knowledge and skills in the field of animal science.

As a BSAS Corporate member you receive a wealth of benefits that are specifically tailored to meet the needs of professionals within the animal science industry. These include:

discounted rates to attend the BSAS Annual Conference – Member discount more than covers the annual membership fee
25% discounted publication fee for animal - the international journal of animal biosciences. This is a saving of more than double the membership fee
complimentary membership of EAAP - allowing access to discounted conference fees and participation in commissions to represent UK animal science (FOC EAAP membership is only open to those residing in EAAP member countries)
free application to the BSAS Register – saving £150 / application
opportunity to make a difference by getting involved in BSAS committees and activities – supporting industry and academic engagement

Corporate members are truly valued by BSAS, your support allows BSAS to:

lead the communication of scientific evidence-based research on sustainable livestock systems to deliver real impact and improvement in the sector, inform fact-based policy and champion scientific debate
collaborate with the wider science, veterinary and agricultural sectors to deliver activities that support holistic and sustainable livestock systems, animal health and welfare, as well as the care of equine, companion and zoo animals.
support our members’ development so they can deliver positive impact throughout their careers

In addition, our corporate members are offered first choice when sponsorship opportunities become available, giving you the opportunity to align your brand with quality conferences and events.

Our corporate members can promote, free of charge, job opportunities on the BSAS website and social media platforms or, if preferred, in the members-only area.

Corporate members are listed on the BSAS website.

We urge you to become a catalyst for change and help BSAS shape the future of animal science, ensuring it is relevant to the needs of the sector by driving future research projects and BSAS activities. Corporate membership offers opportunities for industry and academia involvement and to drive industry-led initiatives and sessions at the BSAS annual conference and events. Corporate Membership membership fee discount is 10% for 5 - 10 members | 15% for 10 and above.

Become a Corporate Member to day contact maggie.mitchell@bsas.org.uk

Introduction

The British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) is committed to safeguarding your personal data and respecting your privacy. This privacy notice explains how we handle your information when you visit our website or access our services—wherever you're located—and outlines your rights and the legal protections available to you.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND WHO WE ARE
THE DATA WE COLLECT ABOUT YOU
HOW IS YOUR PERSONAL DATA COLLECTED
HOW WE USE YOUR PERSONAL DATA
DISCLOSURES OF YOUR PERSONAL DATA
INTERNATIONAL TRANSFERS
DATA SECURITY
DATA RETENTION
YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS
GLOSSARY
COOKIES

1. Important information and who we are

Purpose of this privacy notice

This privacy notice explains how BSAS collects and uses your personal data when you engage with our website—whether as a logged-in or non-logged-in user. This includes information you may provide when subscribing to our newsletter, registering for events, purchasing products or services, participating in professional development activities, or contributing to our initiatives.

This website is not intended for children, and we do not knowingly collect data relating to anyone under the age of 18.

Please read this privacy notice alongside any other privacy or fair processing statements we may provide on specific occasions. These notices work together to help you understand how and why BSAS processes your personal information.

This statement is intended to complement, not override, any additional notices.

Controller

This privacy notice is issued by the British Society of Animal Science (BSAS), so when we refer to “BSAS”, “we”, “us” or “our”, we mean the organisation responsible for handling your personal data. We will make clear which BSAS service is acting as the data controller whenever you engage with us—such as when you register for an event, subscribe to communications, or access our resources.

BSAS is the data controller for this website and its associated services.

We have appointed a Data Protection Officer (DPO) who oversees questions about this privacy notice. If you have any concerns or would like to exercise your legal rights, please contact our DPO using the details provided below.

Contact details

Our full details are:

Full name of legal entity: The British Society of Animal Science

Name or title of DPO: Maggie Mitchell, CEO

Email address: maggie.mitchell@bsas.org.uk

Postal address: 18 North Street, Glenrothes, Fife, KY7 5NA 18 North Street,
Glenrothes,
You have the right to make a complaint at any time to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), the UK supervisory authority for data protection issues (www.ico.org.uk). We would, however, appreciate the chance to deal with your concerns before you approach the ICO so please contact us in the first instance.

Changes to the privacy notice and your duty to inform us of changes

This version was last updated on 19th June 2025 and historic versions can be obtained by contacting us.

It is important that the personal data we hold about you is accurate and current. Please keep us informed if your personal data changes during your relationship with us.

Third-party links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, plug-ins, or applications. By following those links or enabling such features, you may allow those third parties to collect or share data about you. BSAS does not control these external websites and is not responsible for their privacy practices.

We strongly recommend reviewing the privacy notice of any website you visit after leaving our own, to ensure you understand how your personal data may be used.

2. The data we collect about you

Personal data, or personal information, means any information about an individual from which that person can be identified. It does not include data where the identity has been removed (anonymous data).

We may collect, use, store, and share various types of personal data about you, which we group as follows:

Identity Data – includes your first name, last name, job title, employer name, and username or similar identifiers.
Contact Data – includes your company address, billing and delivery addresses, email address, and telephone numbers.
Financial Data – includes bank account or payment details where relevant.
Transaction Data – includes records of payments to and from you and details of products or services you’ve obtained from BSAS.
Technical Data – includes your IP address, login credentials, browser type and version, time zone setting and location, browser plug-in types and versions, operating system, and the devices you use to access our website.
Profile Data – includes your activity history with BSAS, such as purchases or event registrations, expressed interests and preferences, feedback, and survey responses.
Marketing and Communications Data – includes your preferences for receiving communications from BSAS and any third parties, as well as your communication preferences.

We also collect and use Aggregated Data—such as statistical or demographic information—for analytical and operational purposes. Aggregated Data may be derived from your personal information but is not considered personal under data protection laws unless it can be linked to identify you. For example, we may aggregate website usage data to understand how our members engage with specific features. If we ever combine Aggregated Data with identifiable personal information, we treat the result as personal data and protect it accordingly.

BSAS does not collect any Special Categories of Personal Data about you. This includes information regarding your race or ethnicity, religious or philosophical beliefs, sexual orientation, sex life, political opinions, trade union membership, health status, or genetic and biometric data.

We also do not collect any data related to criminal convictions or offences.

If you fail to provide personal data

In some cases, we are required by law or under the terms of a contract to collect certain personal data. If you do not provide this information when requested, we may be unable to fulfil the contract we have with you—or are seeking to enter into—such as delivering products, services, or membership benefits.

Should this situation arise, we will inform you at the time and explain any necessary changes or cancellations.

3. How is your personal data collected?

We use different methods to collect data from and about you including through:

Direct interactions – You may provide us with Identity and Contact Data by filling in forms or corresponding with us by post, phone, email, or otherwise. This includes personal data you share when you:

Apply for BSAS services or activities
Create an account on our website
Subscribe to publications or communications
Request marketing or event information
Enter a competition, promotion, or survey
Attend one of our events
Provide feedback or engage in consultations

Automated technologies or interactions – When you interact with our website, we may automatically collect Technical Data about your device, browsing behaviour, and usage patterns. This data is collected through cookies, server logs, and similar technologies.

4. How we use your personal data

BSAS will only use your personal data when permitted by law. Most commonly, this will occur under the following circumstances:

To fulfil a contract we are about to enter into or have entered into with you.
Where it is necessary for our legitimate interests (or those of a third party), provided those interests are not overridden by your rights and freedoms.
Where we need to comply with a legal or regulatory obligation.

We generally do not rely on consent as a legal basis for processing your data—except in cases where we send third-party direct marketing communications via email or text. In those cases, your consent will be explicitly requested and can be withdrawn at any time by contacting us or using the unsubscribe link found in our marketing emails.

Purposes for which we will use your personal data

We have outlined below the primary ways BSAS may use your personal data, alongside the legal bases we rely on and, where relevant, our legitimate interests.

Please note that in some instances, we may rely on more than one lawful basis depending on the nature of our relationship or the specific service provided. If you would like more details about how a particular data use is justified, feel free to contact us.

Purpose/Activity	Type of Data	Lawful Basis for Processing	Legitimate Interests (where applicable)
Managing membership accounts, renewals, and benefits	Identity, Contact, Transaction	Performance of a contract	Delivering member services and communications
Organising events, CPD activities, and CPD participation	Identity, Contact, Profile, Transaction	Performance of a contract; Legitimate interest	Providing value-added content and networking opportunities
Processing payments or sponsorship	Identity, Contact, Financial, Transaction	Performance of a contract; Legal obligation	Financial administration of BSAS activities
Sending newsletters, updates, and promotional material	Identity, Contact, Marketing and Communications	Consent; Legitimate interest	Keeping our community informed and engaged
Gathering member feedback via surveys	Identity, Contact, Profile	Legitimate interest	Improving services and enhancing member experience
Administering website functionality and improving user experience	Technical, Usage	Legitimate interest	Ensuring effective website operation and optimisation
Complying with legal or regulatory obligations	Any necessary data	Legal obligation	N/A

Promotional offers from us

We may use your Identity, Contact, Technical, Usage, and Profile Data to develop a clearer understanding of your preferences and interests. This helps us determine which BSAS services, opportunities, or content may be most relevant to you.

You will receive marketing communications from us if you have requested information, registered for a service, or shared your details with us—for example, by entering a promotion or competition—unless you have opted out of receiving such communications.

Events

We may share your Identity and Contact Data with official event partners or retail providers strictly for the purpose of managing and administering the event. Full details of such sharing will be made available to you at the point of ticket purchase.

Opting out

You can ask us to stop sending you marketing messages at any time by following the opt-out links on any marketing message sent to you or by contacting us at any time.

Where you opt out of receiving these marketing messages, this will not apply to personal data provided to us as a result of a service purchase.

Cookies

You can configure your browser to refuse some or all browser cookies, or to notify you when cookies are being set or accessed. Please note that disabling or rejecting cookies may affect the functionality or accessibility of certain parts of websites.

Change of purpose

We will use your personal data only for the purposes for which it was collected, unless we reasonably determine that it needs to be used for another purpose that is compatible with the original intent. If you would like an explanation of how the new use aligns with the original purpose, you’re welcome to contact us.

If we ever need to use your personal data for a purpose that is unrelated, we will inform you and explain the legal basis that permits us to do so.

Please note that, in certain circumstances, we may process your personal data without your knowledge or consent where required or permitted by law.

5. Disclosures of your personal data

We may have to share your personal data with the parties set out below for the purposes set out in the table in paragraph 4 above.

Internal Third Parties.
External Third Parties i.e. website developers, event PCO.

We require all third parties to respect the security of your personal data and to treat it in accordance with the law. We do not allow our third-party service providers to use your personal data for their own purposes and only permit them to process your personal data for specified purposes and in accordance with our instructions.

6. Data security

BSAS has implemented appropriate technical and organisational measures to help prevent your personal data from being accidentally lost, accessed without authorisation, misused, altered, or disclosed.

Access to your personal information is restricted to employees, contractors, and authorised third parties who have a legitimate need to access it for operational or service-related purposes. These individuals or organisations will process your data only under our instructions and are bound by confidentiality obligations.

We also have established procedures to respond to suspected personal data breaches. Where legally required, we will inform you and notify the appropriate regulatory authorities.

7. Data retention

How long will you use my personal data for?

We will only retain your personal data for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes we collected it for, including for the purposes of satisfying any legal, accounting, or reporting requirements.

To determine the appropriate retention period for personal data, we consider the amount, nature, and sensitivity of the personal data, the potential risk of harm from unauthorised use or disclosure of your personal data, the purposes for which we process your personal data and whether we can achieve those purposes through other means, and the applicable legal requirements.

Details of retention periods for different aspects of your personal data are available in our retention policy which you can request from us by contacting us.

In some circumstances you can ask us to delete your data.

In some circumstances we may anonymise your personal data (so that it can no longer be associated with you) for research or statistical purposes in which case we may use this information indefinitely without further notice to you.

9. Your legal rights

Under certain circumstances, you have rights under data protection laws in relation to your personal data.

You have the right to:

Request access to your personal data (commonly known as a "data subject access request"). This enables you to receive a copy of the personal data we hold about you and to check that we are lawfully processing it.

Request correction of the personal data that we hold about you. This enables you to have any incomplete or inaccurate data we hold about you corrected, though we may need to verify the accuracy of the new data you provide to us.

Request erasure of your personal data. This enables you to ask us to delete or remove personal data where there is no good reason for us continuing to process it. You also have the right to ask us to delete or remove your personal data where you have successfully exercised your right to object to processing (see below), where we may have processed your information unlawfully or where we are required to erase your personal data to comply with local law. Note, however, that we may not always be able to comply with your request of erasure for specific legal reasons which will be notified to you, if applicable, at the time of your request.

Object to processing of your personal data where we are relying on a legitimate interest (or those of a third party) and there is something about your particular situation which makes you want to object to processing on this ground as you feel it impacts on your fundamental rights and freedoms. You also have the right to object where we are processing your personal data for direct marketing purposes. In some cases, we may demonstrate that we have compelling legitimate grounds to process your information which override your rights and freedoms.

Request restriction of processing of your personal data. This enables you to ask us to suspend the processing of your personal data in the following scenarios: (a) if you want us to establish the data's accuracy; (b) where our use of the data is unlawful but you do not want us to erase it; (c) where you need us to hold the data even if we no longer require it as you need it to establish, exercise or defend legal claims; or (d) you have objected to our use of your data but we need to verify whether we have overriding legitimate grounds to use it.

Request the transfer of your personal data to you or to a third party. We will provide to you, or a third party you have chosen, your personal data in a structured, commonly used, machine-readable format. Note that this right only applies to automated information which you initially provided consent for us to use or where we used the information to perform a contract with you.

Withdraw consent at any time where we are relying on consent to process your personal data. However, this will not affect the lawfulness of any processing carried out before you withdraw your consent. If you withdraw your consent, we may not be able to provide certain products or services to you. We will advise you if this is the case at the time you withdraw your consent.

If you wish to exercise any of the rights set out above, please contact us.

No fee usually required

You will not have to pay a fee to access your personal data (or to exercise any of the other rights). However, we may charge a reasonable fee if your request is clearly unfounded, repetitive or excessive. Alternatively, we may refuse to comply with your request in these circumstances.

What we may need from you

We may need to request specific information from you to help us confirm your identity and ensure your right to access your personal data (or to exercise any of your other rights). This is a security measure to ensure that personal data is not disclosed to any person who has no right to receive it. We may also contact you to ask you for further information in relation to your request to speed up our response.

Time limit to respond

We try to respond to all legitimate requests within one month. Occasionally it may take us longer than a month if your request is particularly complex or you have made a number of requests. In this case, we will notify you and keep you updated.

10. Glossary

LAWFUL BASIS

Legitimate Interest means the interest of our business in conducting and managing our business to enable us to give you the best service/product and the best and most secure experience. We make sure we consider and balance any potential impact on you (both positive and negative) and your rights before we process your personal data for our legitimate interests. We do not use your personal data for activities where our interests are overridden by the impact on you (unless we have your consent or are otherwise required or permitted to by law). You can obtain further information about how we assess our legitimate interests against any potential impact on you in respect of specific activities by contacting us

Performance of Contract means processing your data where it is necessary for the performance of a contract to which you are a party or to take steps at your request before entering into such a contract.

Comply with a legal or regulatory obligation means processing your personal data where it is necessary for compliance with a legal or regulatory obligation that we are subject to.

THIRD PARTIES

External Third Parties

Service providers acting as processors who provide IT and system administration services.
HM Revenue & Customs, regulators and other authorities acting as processors or joint controllers based in the United Kingdom who require reporting of processing activities in certain circumstances.
Service Providers such as venues, our agents and sub-contractors, providers or services to BSAS.

Copies of the BSAS annual accounts are available, to members, via the member portal.

The Sir John Hammond Award is open for applications until 14th February 2026

One of the sector's most prestigious awards, it is awarded to those who have made significant contributions and positive impacts in the UK and Ireland animal science and agricultural sectors.

To learn more about the award click here (downloadable leaflet).

What is the Application Process?

The award is highly selective and nominated candidates must be of high merit.

This award is based on nominations, please note that self-nominations will not be considered. A nomination needs to be supported/submitted by a minimum of two members of either BSAS or BCBC.

Please submit your nomination by downloading and completing the nomination form.

What is the Prize?

£500

Who was Sir John Hammond?

Sir John Hammond arrived at Downing as an undergraduate in 1907 and for most of his career was a Fellow of the College. He also headed the School of Physiology of Animal Reproduction of the University of Cambridge and was a founder of the Cambridge Animal Research Station.

Hammond conducted classical studies on embryo survival in the early 1920s. His famous study Rate of Intra-uterine Growth (1938) showed that crossbred foetal foals grew at the rate of their dams' pure breed. He was the first to crystallise the theory of metabolic rate-dependent prioritising of nutrient partitioning between tissues. He was also the first to report the duration of oestrus for lactating cows (19.3 hours) and heifers (16.1 hours). He studied closely the major changes in animal shape resulting from the domestication and selective breeding of farm animals.

With Arthur Walton, Hammond was one of the pioneers of artificial insemination ('AI'). As he could not practice certain AI techniques in England, because of religious and cultural taboos, Hammond sponsored work in other countries where such limitations did not apply. He sent a colleague, Dr Luis Thomasset, to Russia to work on AI with the Soviets. He himself introduced AI to other countries, such as Argentina. His book The Artificial Insemination of Cattle (1947) was the first comprehensive publication on AI published in England.

Hammond was the first President of BSAS (1944-1945) and founded the British Cattle Breeders Club in 1946 and was an active member in the early days of the European Association for Animal Production, serving on its Preparatory Committee. He ended his life as the guru of the British livestock world and is widely regarded as the father of modern animal physiology.

Many thanks to the Royal Smithfield Club for the donation of the trophy for the Sir John Hammond Award.

The BSAS President’s Prize is a prestigious award presented annually at the BSAS Conference to recognise outstanding early-career researchers in animal science. It celebrates innovative thinking, rigorous research, and impactful communication—hallmarks of future leaders in the field.

Application Criteria

Eligible applicants must:

Be early-career scientists (typically students or postgraduates)
Submitting your first or second abstract for the BSAS Annual Conference
Deliver a compelling oral presentation during the event if short-listed
Demonstrate originality, scientific merit, and clarity of communication

Judging is based on both the quality of research and the effectiveness of its presentation to a scientific audience.

Past recipients have included:

Sinéad O’Callaghan, whose presentation stood out for its clarity, relevance, and potential impact on calf management practices.
Abdul Aziz Yunus, recognized for his work on sustainable livestock systems
Nick Britten, awarded for his innovative research in animal nutrition
Other winners have explored topics ranging from precision farming to animal welfare, showcasing the diversity and depth of BSAS-supported science

Winning the President’s Prize not only brings recognition but also opens doors to networking, publication, and future collaboration.

Click here for full award guidelines and eligibility criteria

The BSAS Industry Prize celebrates early-career researchers whose work demonstrates clear relevance and application to the animal science industry. It highlights the importance of translating scientific innovation into practical solutions that benefit producers, consumers, and the wider sector.

Sarah Woodmartin received the 2025 Industry Prize for her impactful research addressing industry challenges in livestock production. Her work stood out for its practical relevance and potential to inform policy and on-farm decision-making.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must:

Be a BSAS member
Submit an abstract for the Annual Conference
If shortlisted, deliver an oral presentation that clearly communicates the of their research

Judges assess entries based on scientific quality, clarity of presentation, and the potential for real-world impact across farming, food production, sustainability, or animal welfare.

Click here for full guidelines and eligibility criteria

Introduction

This Award has been established to honour the contributions which Professor Christopher Wathes OBE made to animal science, in particular through improving the welfare of farmed livestock. The awards are intended to help members of BSAS to attend scientific meetings and workshops in the UK or overseas who might not otherwise be able to go through lack of financial support. The award is targeted at early career scientists.

Who was Christopher Wathes?

Christopher was an outstanding and uncompromising scientist who acted on evidence and always challenged ill-informed opinions. He was strongly supportive in developing the careers of his younger colleagues. His career began with a degree in physics followed by a PhD in environmental physics. In 1980 he became a lecturer in animal husbandry at the University of Bristol. Here his interest in the impact of housing design on farm animals led him to develop expertise in the field of animal welfare including the use of preference testing. In 1990 he moved to Silsoe Research Institute to head their bioengineering division, where he was at the forefront of the newly emerging field of precision livestock farming. He then joined the Royal Veterinary College in 2005 as their first Professor of Animal Welfare, where he also developed a strong interest in animal ethics. Christopher chaired the Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC) for eight years from 2005, working with a wide range of stakeholders to develop a clear strategy and produce a number of highly relevant reports, which have a lasting impact on the welfare of farmed livestock in the UK. He was also instrumental in the formation of EuroFAWC, providing a platform for informed debate and development of shared policy relating to animal welfare throughout Europe. He was awarded the 2002 Research Medal of the Royal Agricultural Society of England and the 2016 UFAW Medal for Outstanding Achievements in Animal Welfare Science. He received an OBE in 2013 for services to animal welfare.

Competition

The award must be used for travel, accommodation and/or registration to attend BSAS 2026. The value of each award will be determined by the distance traveled by the applicant from their place of residence to York. This award supports studies involving animal welfare, precision livestock farming, design of animal housing or ethical considerations relating to the use of animals. To enter you must have submitted an abstract to BSAS 2026 and provide a short video clip (2-3 mins) stating why you should win this award. The maximum amount awarded will £1500. The award may be split to offer more than one bursary.

Criteria

This award supports studies involving animal welfare, precision livestock farming, design of animal housing or ethical considerations relating to the use of animals.

Review of competition entries

Applications to the Christopher Wathes award will be assessed based on the submitted video clip. In making its decision, the selection panel will consider the relevance of the applicants work in meeting the above criteriaplease include reference to/ information about this in the video, and the extent to which you will benefit from attending BSAS 2026, please tell us how the award would be of benefit to you.

Reporting requirements

The award holder will be required to submit a short report to BSAS following their attendance at BSAS 2026, which focuses on the benefit in knowledge and skills gained from winning the award.

Questions?

If you have any queries, please contact bsas@bsas.org.uk

What is the prize?

The maximum amount awarded will be up to £1500.

How do I apply?

The award is open to applicants from all branches of animal science who are in the early stages of their careers. Applications are accepted from BSAS members only. Please send your video clip to bsas@bsas.org.uk. Please include your full name and contact details in the email.

Application deadline

28th October 2025

Click here for the downloadable information leaflet.

WHO WAS STEVE BISHOP?

A world-renowned scientist, Professor Bishop made an outstanding contribution to the understanding of the impact of genetics on infectious diseases in farm animals. After he obtained a degree in agricultural science from the Lincoln College at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, in 1981, he studied for a PhD in genetics at the University of Edinburgh. After periods working at the Technical University of Munich and for the Livestock Improvement Corporation of the New Zealand Dairy Board, he took up a position at the Roslin Institute in 1988, where he built up a major research group with an international reputation. His primary research interests revolved around the genetic control of resistance to infectious disease in livestock, studying impacts from the gene to the population. Steve’s work had a major influence worldwide on how animal scientists and farmers approach breeding for nematode and infective disease resistance. Steve was a member of BSAS from 1993 to 2015.

The Steve Bishop Collaboration for Innovation Early Career Award is sponsored by Innovate UK Business Connect.

This scholarship targets early-career animal scientists, including postgraduate students or those within three years of a PhD, as well as industry professionals with similar experience, even without a PhD. Valued at up to £5,000, it supports short research programs or training opportunities in the UK or abroad, fostering new partnerships rather than continuing existing ones. Successful fellows can showcase their award outcomes to prominent figures in the animal science field. Additionally, the funds may partially support projects across any relevant animal science sector.

INTRODUCTION
This scholarship is aimed at those in the early part of their career as an animal scientist (postgraduate student or within three years of graduating with a PhD, or those working in commerce or industry with an equivalent level of experience without necessarily having a PhD).

COMPETITION
The Steve Bishop Collaboration for Innovation Short Research or Training Award 2025-2026
Worth up to £5,000, the award is for specific short research programmes and/or training opportunities in the UK, overseas, with a new academic or industrial partner. The overall aim is to help support and develop a new partnership rather than a piece of work with a current partner or organisation. The successful fellows will have the opportunity to present the outcomes of their award(s) to leading figures from animal science and related sectors. In some circumstances the awards may be used to part-fund a project. Funds can be used in any relevant animal science sector.

REVIEW OF COMPETITION ENTRIES
Applications to the Award will be assessed based on the application form. In making its decision, the selection panel will consider the relevance of the applicants' work and the extent to which they will benefit from attending the educational workshop or meeting.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
The successful fellow will be required to complete a short-written report (1000 – 1500 words) or a short video (5-15minutes) about the project and outcomes as well as presenting same at the next BSAS annual conference to be held in York, 14-16 April 2026, the successful applicant will be expected to submit an abstract for inclusion in the conference proceedings (conference fees will be covered and travel and subsistence of no more than £150).

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
BSAS and Innovate UK Business Connect are committed to encouraging a supportive and inclusive culture across our organisations, promoting diversity and inclusion, and eliminating discrimination in all that we do.
All applications will be equally judged using set marking criteria, applicant names and locations are not supplied to the selection panel.

QUESTIONS?
If you have any queries, please contact awards@bsas.org.uk

WHAT IS THE PRIZE?
Worth up to £5,000, the funding available is dependent upon the length of the visit. Applicants may request:
up to of £2,000 for projects up to 6 weeks
up to of £3,000 for projects up to 3 months
up to of £5,000 for projects up to 6 months

HOW DO I APPLY?
The award is open to applicants, in the early stages of their career, from all branches of animal science. Applications are accepted from both BSAS members and non-members. Please complete the on-line application form and return it by the application deadline.

APPLICATION DEADLINE
28th October 2025

APPLY NOW

Click here for the downloadable information leaflet.

BSAS Corporate members are deeply valued and enjoy a range of benefits including access to training, discounted events, free accreditation and reduced rates for the annual conference.

BSAS is looking to forge mutually beneficial communication, collaboration, sponsorship and partnership relations to create and deliver a range of activities that challenge and inform on the issues that matter most to the sector, including opportunities to develop and sponsor events and awards.

Please contact Maggie Mitchell if you would like more information or to discuss partner and sponsorship opportunities

Learn about the impacts of BSAS accreditation

Continuing professional development (CPD) involves maintaining and enhancing the knowledge, skills and experience related to your professional activities.

Benefits

Helps you to keep pace with the standards of others in the same field
Maintaining and enhancing your knowledge and skills to deliver a professional service, whether academia or industry
You stay up to date with changing trends, becoming more effective in the workplace
You can help advance the body of knowledge and technology within your profession
Potential to increase your public standing with other animal science professionals
Shows commitment to your leaning and career development

Register

Once your application to the BSAS Accreditation Register is approved, you’ll only stay on the Register by showing evidence of Continued Professional Development (CPD) and accruing CPD credit. Log in to your account from where you can access your CPD record files.

Members must accrue at least 50 credits each year by taking part in a range of activities including:

Work-based learning (maximum 20 CPD points)
Professional activity involving learning (maximum 20 CPD points)
Formal training courses and educational programmes (maximum 30 CPD points)
Self-directed learning (maximum 10 CPD points)
Other (maximum 10 CPD points)

Maintaining

Members will be given access to their CPD recording scheme when they are first entered onto the Register.

For each activity area, the record should give:

A brief definition of the type of work undertaken.
Date
Number of hours accumulated for each activity
A description of what was entailed and how it was beneficial
Evidence of the work having been undertaken

For more information download our CPD guide.

BSAS Accreditation provides a mark of assurance of your competence, supporting your professional status when working with clients, colleagues, employers, collaborators, funders, government, and other societies.

BSAS raises the standards of excellence in the abilities, conduct and reputation of its members and by accrediting their professional activities, furthers members interests.

Joining the Register

Membership of the Accreditation Register is open to all those working in food-production, animal welfare, equine, companion animals and zoo animals, in the topics of animal science, animal technology or animal care in the academic, industry or government policy sector. The Register, which is open to public view is a mark of assurance.

Benefits

A Registered Animal Scientist or Animal Technologist benefits (amongst other things) from:

Public recognition of competencies, knowledge and professional status at home and internationally
Evidence to support career development opportunities
Provides independent verification of responsible and reputable conduct
Evidence of an audited programme of Continued Professional Development (CPD), appropriate to the individual’s own areas of expertise
For organisations, BSAS Accreditation demonstrates a culture of high-quality staff training and skills development
Greater opportunity to share knowledge and being seen by potential employers

Apply Now

Applications

Accreditation is open to those working in food-production, animal welfare, equine, companion animals and zoo animals in the topics of animal science, animal technology or animal care in the academic, industry or government policy sector. You can apply to be registered as one of the following:

Receiver of knowledge – LEARNING animal science

Student (Affiliate) – in full time education, studying animal science, animal technology or animal care

User of knowledge - APPLYING animal science

Animal Technologist (Associate) - Early Career
Animal Technologist (Certified) - Professional level

Seeker of knowledge - CONDUCTING animal science

Animal Scientist (Associate) - Early Career
Animal Scientist (Certified) - Professional level

Process

When you apply to become accredited you will be asked about your expertise. Applicants can choose from a number of proficiencies that they feel are appropriate to them, including written publications in the public domain, teaching, management and knowledge seeking research and development.

Applications are assessed on individual merit by two assessors. You may be asked to provide further information.

Designation

Members will select their own CPD programmes as appropriate to their own particular designation (Student, Scientist or Technologist), Level (Affiliate, Associate or Certified). These programmes may be provided by any appropriate organisations, in-house or extra-mural. CPD programmes are also provided by BSAS through its range of annual and occasional meetings and training workshops. Members can also choose to accrue points through other societies and organisations as appropriate to their competencies and specialisms.

Early Careers

The BSAS Accreditation Register is not just for those who are established in their careers, with its 'Affiliate' and ‘Associate’ levels specifically designed to recognise the knowledge and expertise of those early on in their career. The register is applicable to a vast range of disciplines relating to early career animal science and technology. From those studying in higher education in animal science or veterinary related courses, to those starting out in relevant industry or policy careers. Applying and maintaining registration improves key professional skills and exposes those in the early stages of their career to processes which they may not otherwise have been introduced.

Further Information

Download -

CPD Guide

Rules, Regulations and Protocols

Application Guidelines for Student Affiliate

Application Guidelines for Animal Technologist Accreditation

Application Guidelines for Animal Scientist Accreditation

Assessor Guidelines for Student Affiliate

Assessor Guidelines for Animal Technologist Certified and Associate

Assessor Guidelines for Animal Scientist Associate

Assessor Guidelines for Animal Scientist Certified

Cost

Application to the register is free for members of BSAS. There is a cost of £150 to those that are not members of BSAS.

Apply Now

Contact

If you have any questions, wish to discuss which level is most appropriate for you or need any further information, please don’t hesitate to contact our dedicated register team on register@bsas.org.uk

Submit your news item here

You can access the BSAS newsletter archive here:

Learn more about BSAS Global membership

BSAS Global Key Activities

Member Support – including early career mentor and buddy schemes, academia and industry collaboration
Member Discounts and offers
Accreditation Register - BSAS is the professional accrediting body for the Register of Certified Animal Scientists and Technologists
Annual Conference – providing a platform for the latest information in global animal science and associated areas
Occasional Meetings – focusing on key issues or topics
Webinars – short and informative, subject specific
Training Courses – for example, R-Stats and Good Writing Habits
Publications – animal Family of Journals, Special Editions, Animal Bytes
Awards – a range of member and non-member awards

BSAS Global has two categories of member societies: “Global Member” and “Global Associate Member”.

BSAS Global Member

BSAS Global Member - Key Benefits

Access to BSAS member resources and society member discounts
Access to BSAS accreditation – reduced cost of £45/application (non-member charge £145); annual charge £25
Collaboration and discussion on a global platform; Co-development of the Global session(s) at BSAS annual meeting
Opportunity to influence policy and future direction – working with BSAS to ensure activities meet current and future people and place, animal science and global sustainability needs
Early career community that supports, encourages and provides a podium for our future animal scientists and technicians
Potential for joint applications - international research funding

Individual Members support via:

Early Career Mentor
Buddy Schemes

Global Member Fees

Societies/Associations with up to:

500 members - £1500.00 / annum
500-750 members - £2000.00 / annum
750 plus members - £2500.00 / annum

Global Associate Member

This membership was conceived for societies of any region of the world where payment of full membership fees can be challenging; the associate member category will be free of charge for those like-minded societies accepted as an associate member society/association.

Associate member organisations will be granted to up to one Society per country and the application to this category will be assessed in a case-by-case basis by the Global Committee. The candidate society will need to justify why they would qualify for this membership type.

BSAS Global Associate members’ benefits

Access to:

Newsletter
Webinars that are offered free of charge by the organiser
Opportunity to engage in conversation on animal science and global sustainability needs

The British Society of Animal Science, leading dissemination of animal science knowledge in the UK and internationally

Why partner with us?

BSAS understands and believes that generating meaningful research that has maximum benefit for the animal science and technology community, requires engaging with the right people from the very beginning of planning your research idea and that’s where we can help. Not only are we able to identify the primary audience of your research, but we can also engage with that audience and help to bring on influential opinion leaders to act as champions of said research and amplify its message.

R&D Project Dissemination training support

The role of BSAS Global in R&D projects will be to ensure that the work and its dissemination is relevant to the needs of the industry. Specifically, BSAS Global can facilitate:

BSAS Knowledge exchange activities between Stakeholder and Research Partners.
Establish a farm-level observatory and knowledge exchange network.
Project output dissemination.

Dissemination Plan

BSAS Global will establish with partners a Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation Plan. The plan will define a communication and dissemination strategy with detailed tasks and timelines to deliver on project objectives; to communicate the project concepts and outputs; to promote engagement between partners and key interested groups; to involve policy makers and to ensure that the most relevant channels and effective forms of communication are used including social media, workshops, webinars, conferences, and web-based learning materials which allow for wider access.

Visual Identity

The visual identity of each project will benefit from BSAS Global’s expertise in creating and defining a graphic charter, logos, fonts, colours incorporating compulsory partner logos for clean and clever communication. We’ll also create a start-up brochure, a poster to present the aims of the project, and A4 newsletters focused on the final two years of the project when results become available. BSAS Global will also establish a project-based website which will allow for closed and open discussion between partners and stakeholders, host web-based training courses and a vital link to the farm-level observatory and knowledge exchange network.

If you’re interested in BSAS Global participating and supporting your R&D Bid, please email bsas@bsas.org.uk

We are interested in working, globally, with like-minded societies and organisations. Please email bsas@bsas.org.uk if you would like to discuss opportunities for working together.

These are some of the partners we work with:

BSAS Global aims to establish formal and informal international animal science networks, developing links with like-minded societies and organisations across the world. We look to work with others to advance responsible, safe, high-welfare, environmentally sustainable animal production and management globally.

Comprising of science and industry experts we aim to:

Strengthen animal science and dissemination
Facilitate international collaboration
Recruit BSAS members internationally
Host regional conferences and workshops
Exchange speakers, students and scientists
Provide access to Accreditation and CPD

Key aims & outcomes

Establish formal animal science networks, developing links with likeminded international societies and organisations
Create a global network of relevant organisations to share/improve benefits including partner events and resource sharing
Develop BSAS Global by identifying areas of research needs and working with partners to create funding and support opportunities, particularly in developing countries
Distribute information, scientific papers, opinion pieces and news to a global audience

View our training materials

Summarised papers of award-winning early careers theses.

Animal Bytes blog

Read publications from animal: The international journal of animal biosciences

Our answers to the most common questions about BSAS.

WHAT IS ANIMAL SCIENCE?

Animal Science relates to the science and business of producing domestic livestock species, including but not limited to beef cattle, dairy cattle, poultry, pigs, sheep and horses. In recent years, animal science has expanded into a far broader area to include companion animals, wildlife and zoo animals helping to improve their health, nutrition, care and welfare.

Research and technology is revolutionizing animal production. Animal scientists constantly strive to improve and increase the efficiency of livestock production and management techniques through research into areas, such as animal behaviour and welfare, genetics/breeding, microbiology, nutrition, physiology and reproduction. They also play a key role in maintaining and improving the quality and quantity of the world's food supply.

Livestock

Securing world food supplies is more important than ever before.

Global populations are expected to hit 8bn by 2050, meaning food production has to be seriously examined if people are going to have healthy, nutritious diets.

Productive farmland is coming under threat due to climate change and the need to house more people, while the planet’s resources are diminishing, meaning farmers have to find new ways to produce food.

At the same time, livestock are becoming an increasingly important source of nutrition around the world, with demand for meat products predicted to double in the first half of this century.

The Society has a vital role in advising policy-makers on meeting the challenge of securing food supplies with lower environmental impact.

Aquaculture

As one of the world's fastest growing food sectors, approximately 50% of all seafood produced for human consumption comes from Aquaculture - the controlled process of cultivating aquatic organisms (shellfish, molluscs, finfish) and plants.

Aquaculture not only produces food and other commercial products, it also restores habitats and replenishes wild stocks, and rebuild populations of threatened and endangered species.

Harvesting wild sources of fish, crustaceans and other aquatic species cannot keep up with the demand presented by a growing human population.

We need alternate sources for seafood to feed the planet’s ever-growing population in a responsible and sustainable way to provide future generations with access to healthy and environmentally friendly protein options.

Sustainable aquaculture helps meet this demand while relieving the strain on wild species.

Equine

The equine industry is more varied than almost any other sector either within agriculture or in the wider leisure industry and generates huge amounts of revenue for some of the world’s major economies.

According to Equine Business Association (EBA), the U.S. and U.K are the biggest equine industries in the world, with the economic value of the UK equestrian sector alone standing at £4.3 billion of consumer spending across a wide range of goods and services each year.

Considered as sport, companion and working animals, the growth in the utilisation of horses means increased research to improve equine health, disease, welfare and management practices has never been more significant.

Companion & Zoo Animals

Most of us at some point in our lives have owned a pet, such as a dog, cat, rabbit, fish or rodent.

The pet market in the United Kingdom is one of the largest in Europe, with the total pet population in the UK alone reaching approximately 58 million animals in 2018. Of those, 9 million are dogs and 8 million are cats.

Society's growing love for their furry companions hasn't been without concerns from companion animal specialists. Increased demand for cute animals has led to a rise in brachycephalic animals as a result of selective breeding, giving way to a host of welfare and health concerns, as well as irresponsible breeding.

The alarming rise in pet obesity has seen, in the UK alone, an estimated 40% of dogs and 53% of cats reported as overweight or obese - leading to health issues such as arthritis and reduced life expectancy.

The British Society of Animal Science can make a significant contribution to all of these areas by sharing discoveries in research and techniques and by providing practical knowledge to industry and the public about the latest developments in these sectors.

WHAT IS BSAS?

The British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) is a professional organization dedicated to advancing animal science and its application in agriculture, research, and industry. It brings together scientists, academics, professionals, and students from around the world who are passionate about animal health, welfare, nutrition, and sustainable livestock production.

BSAS plays a key role in:

Research & Innovation – Supporting studies on animal biosciences.

Education & Professional Development – Providing training, accreditation, and networking opportunities.

Policy & Industry Influence – Shaping discussions on climate change, food security, and ethical animal production.

If you're interested in animal science, BSAS offers fantastic resources and opportunities!

WHAT ANIMAL SCIENCE DOES BSAS COVER?

While a significant focus has been on sustainable food systems and livestock management, we also support research and knowledge transfer relating to animal welfare, genetics, nutrition, reproduction, and environmental impact of domesticated, companion and zoo species

WHO CAN BECOME A BSAS MEMBER?

The British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) welcomes anyone interested in animal science, whether you're a student, professional, researcher, or industry expert. Here’s who can apply:

Students & Graduates – If you’re studying or recently completed a degree in animal science or a related field.

Academics & Researchers – University faculty, scientists, and professionals in animal biosciences.

Industry Professionals – Those working in agriculture, livestock production, animal welfare, nutrition, or breeding.

Veterinary Specialists – If you work in veterinary science and have an interest in animal research or practice.

International Applicants – BSAS welcomes applications from all countries and has membership options for individuals from low to middle-income countries (LMIC).

Retired Experts – Those who’ve contributed to animal science and want to stay connected.

Basically, if you're passionate about improving animal health, welfare, and production, BSAS has a place for you!

WHY SHOULD I JOIN BSAS?

Becoming a member of the British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) opens up a world of opportunities in the field of animal science. Here’s why it might be worth considering:

Networking & Collaboration – Connect with peers, industry professionals, and academics in animal science.

Exclusive Discounts – Enjoy special member rates for the BSAS annual conference and other events.

Access to Research & Resources – Get discounted article processing charges for Animal, the international journal of animal biosciences.

Professional Recognition – Apply for BSAS Register and become a Registered Animal Scientist or Animal Technologist.

Career Development – Participate in projects and committees that shape the future of animal science.

Global Influence – Engage in discussions on sustainable livestock, climate change, and food security, influencing government policy.

If you’re passionate about advancing animal science, BSAS membership could be a great way to grow your career and contribute to the field.

HOW DO I BECOME A MEMBER?

Joining the British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) is straightforward! Here’s how you can become a member:

Choose Your Membership Type – BSAS offers different membership categories, including:

Student Membership (£25/year)

Graduate Membership (£60/year)

Individual (Professional) Membership (£120/year)

Retired Membership (£60/year)

Low to Middle Income Countries (LMIC) Membership (£25/year)

Apply Online – Visit the BSAS membership page and use the "Apply Now" quick links to start your application.

Enjoy the Benefits – Once you’re a member, you’ll gain access to networking opportunities, discounted conference fees, professional recognition, and more .

If you have any questions regarding membership, you can contact us at catherine.lowe@bsas.org.uk

WHAT IS THE BSAS PROFESSIONAL REGISTER?

The BSAS Professional Register is an accreditation system for Animal Scientists and Animal Technologists, designed to recognize expertise and professional competence in the field2. Here’s what it offers:

Professional Recognition – Accreditation provides assurance of your skills and knowledge, supporting your career.

Career Development – Helps demonstrate expertise to employers, collaborators, and funding bodies.

Continued Professional Development (CPD) – Members track their CPD to maintain their accredited status.

Public Register – Accredited professionals are listed in a publicly accessible register.

Application Process – Open to those working in food production, animal welfare, equine, companion animals, and zoo animals across academia, industry, and government.

As Registered Animal Scientists or Registered Animal Technologists, members will be entitled to use the post-nominal designatory letters: R. Anim. Sci. or R. Anim. Technol.

HOW DO I JOIN THE BSAS REGISTER?

Joining the BSAS Professional Register is a great way to gain recognition for your expertise in animal science. Here’s how you can apply:

1. Choose Your Accreditation Level – You can apply as:

- Student (Affiliate) – If you're in full-time education.

- Animal Technologist (Associate or Certified) – For professionals applying animal science.

- Animal Scientist (Associate or Certified) – For those conducting animal science research.

2. Submit Your Application – Visit the BSAS Register application page and complete the online form.

3. Provide Supporting Evidence – You may need to submit details of your expertise, including publications, teaching experience, management roles, or research activities.

4. Assessment Process – Applications are reviewed by two assessors, and you may be asked for additional information.

5. Maintain Your Accreditation – Once accepted, you’ll need to track your Continued Professional Development (CPD) to stay on the register.

BSAS aims to stimulate interest and champion discussion with focus on addressing climate change and wider ecosystem challenges related to livestock production. To bring forward and disseminate evidence-based science and sector knowledge to champion and transform, through global collaboration, a one nutrition, one health, multi- disciplinary approach to address future food security and climate change.

To then use this evidence-based animal science to inform government policy and related decision making activities. Bringing together and providing a platform for individuals and organisations that are committed to the advancement of sustainable livestock and the wider animal science sectors.

We aim to work with all sectors in, and related to, animal science to encourage and ensure sharing of factual information to improve animal health and welfare; and the care of equine, companion, and zoo animals.

Encouraging and supporting the development of early-career professionals as tomorrow's leaders and, thereafter, throughout their careers plays a key part in BSAS activities.

BSAS delivers these strategic intentions through our range of committees, each of which have their own objectives to achieve and collectively will deliver the overall objectives of this strategic plan.

Pioneers: The backdrop of the society's beginnings

Nineteen-forty-four, the year of the foundation of the British Society of Animal Production, now the British Society of Animal Science (BSAS), and the early years that followed, were filled with urgent opportunity – these were the post-war hunger years and the beginnings of the second agricultural revolution. The time was ripe for research and development in Animal Science. Unsurprising, that same time gave rise to pioneering people and pioneering places.

In tracking the British Society of Animal Production's (BSAP) first 75 years, it is neither possible, nor necessary to mention all and every path-maker involved in the moulding of the Society. The Universities and Research Institutes have been persistent in their support of the society, as have the Knowledge and Information Transfer Services and, perhaps most importantly of all, the allied Trades and Industries that provide to the agricultural industry the wherewithal for its effective functioning.

We thank all of our members and partners for their continued support.

A brief history of our society (1944-2019) is available here.

The British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) is the principal learned body supporting animal science in the UK. We work to advance the sector, improve the understanding of all aspects of animal science and ensure research and knowledge transfer has a practical and beneficial application.

Our diverse membership comprises all career stages and includes leading academics, industry and government professionals. This creates a dynamic and enthusiastic community dedicated to the betterment of the sector..

Our collaborative global networks strive to achieve our strategic objectives to address the climate change, global food security and One Health challenges.

BSAS provides a dynamic platform that enables the dissemination of evidence-based research findings to elucidate the role of livestock and other domesticated animals in high welfare and holistic sustainable agri-food systems.

Listing of past BSAS Presidents from 1944 onwards.

Sir John Hammond FRS	1944-45
Professor R G White	1945-46
Professor J A Scott Watson	1946-47
Professor W C Miller	1947-48
Professor J E Nichols	1948-49
Mr E C J Allday	1949-50
Mr J R Currie	1950-51
Mr A R Wannop	1951-52
Professor T L Bywater	1952-53
Sir John Hammond FRS	1953-54
Sir Richard Trehane	1954-55
Lord Digby	1955-56
Professor H G Sanders	1956-57
Mr A Jenkins	1957-58
Mr H R Davidson	1958-59
Dr J Edwards	1959-60
Mr J A Crichton	1960-61
Sir Richard Trehane	1961-62
Mr J P Maule OBE, FRSE	1962-63
Mr M H R Soper OBE	1963-64
Mr A A Bindloss	1964-65
Professor A Robertson FRS, FRSE	1965-66
Sir David Cuthbertson CBE, FRSE	1966-67
Mr F H Garner	1967-68
Professor Sir Ronald Baskett	1968-69
Professor W Holmes	1969-70
Sir Kenneth L Blaxter, FRS, FRSE	1970-71
Dr R Braude OBE	1971-72
Professor M McG Cooper CBE	1972-73
Professor H P Donald FRSE	1973-74
Mr J Walker-Love CBE	1974-75
MrT G Boaz	1975-76
Dr F H Dodd	1976-77
Professor P N Wilson CBE, FRSE	1977-78
Professor J M Cunningham CBE, FRSE	1978-79
Professor Sir Colin Spedding CBE	1979-80
Dr L K O'Connor	1980-81
Professor W F Raymond	1981-82
Professor J A F Rook FRSE	1982-83
Dr D M Allen	1983-84
Mr G Alderman	1984-85
Dr J A Craven	1985-86
Professor J F D Greenhalgh	1986-87
Dr A J F Russel	1987-88
Professor J H D Prescott	1988-89
Dr M Bichard OBE	1989-90
Dr J O'Grady	1990-91
Professor A J F Webster	1991-92
Professor J M Forbes	1992-93
Professor J J Robinson FRSE	1993-94
Dr S A Papasolomontos	1994-95
Dr W J M Black MBE	1995-96
Professor J D Leaver	1996-97
Professor E M Gill FRSE	1997-98
Professor C T Whittemore FRSE	1998-99
Professor W G Hill FRS, FRSE	1999/2000
Professor J D Wood	2000/2001
Professor J A Milne MBE	2001/2002
Professor E Owen	2002/2003
Dr J R Newbold	2003/2004
Professor S A Edwards	2004/2005
Professor J C MacRae	2005/2006
Professor P J Buttery	2006/2007
Professor G Simm	2007/2008
Professor C J Newbold	2008/2009
Dr C S Mayne	2009/2010
Professor N G Scollan	2010/2011
Professor D I Givens	2011/2012
Mr C Warkup	2012/2013
Dr P E V Williams	2013/2014
Dr A Carson	2014/2015
Dr C Rymer	2015/2016
Professor L A Sinclair	2016/2017
Professor R Dewhurst	2017/2018
Professor H M Miller	2018/2019
Professor E Wall	2019/2021
Professor M Lee	2021/2022
Mr K Matthews	2022/2023
Professor E Magowan	2023/2024
Professor D Kenny	2024/2025

Honorary Members

Dr M Bichard OBE
Professor M G Diskin
Professor S A Edwards
Professor J M Forbes
Dr D Garwes
Professor E M Gill
Professor J F D Greenhalgh
Dr R G Gunn
Dr J P Hanrahan
Dr T L J Lawrence
Dr R W Mayes
Dr L K O'Connor
Professor G E Pollott
Dr T R Preston
Mr J L Read
Professor J J Robinson FRSE
Dr P H Simmins
Mr M A Steele
Professor C Thomas
Professor D C Wathes
Professor C T Whittemore

BSAS is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation ("SCIO")

Freshers Week

Making the transition from student to professional can be overwhelming, but a BSAS mentor can help you successfully navigate your way, as you take your first fledgling steps into the world of animal science.

Through sharing their extensive knowledge and experience, a BSAS mentor can help you achieve your goals more quickly and effectively than if working alone and build a network of expertise to draw on that can benefit both yourself and others.

What is it?

Mentoring is a system of semi-structured guidance whereby one person shares their knowledge, skills and experience to assist others to progress in their own lives and careers. Mentors need to be accessible and prepared to offer help - within agreed bounds.

Mentors very often have their own mentors, and in turn their mentees might wish to ‘give something back’ and become mentors themselves - it's a chain for ‘passing on’ good practice so that the benefits can be widely spread.

Mentoring can be a short-term arrangement until the original reason for the partnership is fulfilled (or ceases), or it can last many years.

Mentoring is more than ‘giving advice’, or passing on what your experience was in a particular area or situation. It's about motivating and empowering the other person to identify their own issues and goals, and helping them to find ways of resolving or reaching them - not by doing it for them, or expecting them to ‘do it the way I did it’, but by understanding and respecting different ways of working.

Mentoring is not counselling or therapy - though the mentor may help the mentee to access more specialised avenues of help if it becomes apparent that this would be the best way forward.

What's in it for you?

As mentee

Being able to change/achieve your goals more quickly and effectively than working alone
Building a network of expertise to draw on can benefit both yourself and others

As mentor

Mentoring is voluntary but extremely rewarding, and can benefit your own skills development and career progression
You need to be the sort of person who wants others to succeed, and have or can develop the skills needed to support them

What makes a good mentor?

If you are interested in becoming a mentor, check yourself against this list:
Are you interested in helping others to succeed - even if they may surpass you in achievement?
Are you reliable, honest, and trustworthy to keep things confidential?
Are you capable of active listening - not interrupting, picking up important cues from what someone says, able to reflect back the relevant issues and check understanding, minimising assumptions and prejudices?
Are you empathetic - can you convey understanding of their experience without saying ‘yes me too’ and launching into anecdotes of your own?
Are you able to question someone sensitively but empoweringly to help them explore their own issues?
Can you pass on your knowledge and expertise clearly, encouragingly and helpfully?

It is important to structure your mentoring partnership

Example Agreement

Time

Agree when the mentor relationship will start/end: three months would be a reasonable length of time but it could be shorter or longer. You can extend the relationship if you both wish or just continue as friends. Agree how often, how and how long you'll meet: e.g. 20 minutes, once a week for coffee, by video call or phone.

Flexibility

Agree whether it is ok to be phoned up or called on if the person you are mentoring has a particular question. Since part of the role is to reassure, it is a good idea to agree to this initially and re-negotiate if it gets out of hand.

Confidentiality

Agree that you will not disclose to anyone else what you discuss with the person you are mentoring unless with their agreement. Agree how you will describe the partnership to others, including the head of institution if they ask.

Boundaries

You are not responsible for the person you are mentoring. But you can answer questions, allay anxieties and give friendly guidance.

Review and evaluation

At the end of the arrangement, look back over the time and list what went well and what you might do differently another time. Comment constructively on each other's handling of the role. Let BSAS know if you've enjoyed it or if you haven't enjoyed it and if you would be or would not be prepared to do it again, like to talk it over with us. Give any tips for future mentors or people being mentored.

I am interested in being a Mentor or Mentee (please note the scheme is open to BSAS Members only)

If you are interested in becoming a BSAS mentor, or mentee, please complete our application form available here and return to bsas@bsas.org.uk.

Mentor Case Study – Sokratis Stergiadis

Sokratis Stergiadis has been a BSAS member since 2007, a Trustee since 2020 as the new Chair of the BSAS Stakeholder Committee, before moving to the position of Chair of Membership and Accreditation in 2023, and has also recently become a BSAS Mentor. His professional experience includes several teaching and research roles in animal science, and he has been a Professor in Animal Science at the University of Reading since 2023. He previously held teaching and research roles at the University of Reading, and animal research-focussed roles at the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute and Newcastle University.

Sokratis first discovered the BSAS Mentor scheme via the Society’s member newsletter and felt it was the perfect fit, having been a mentor as part of his current and previous job roles, and in other professional societies. He finds mentoring very rewarding and sees it as an activity that allows both mentors and mentees to build essential skills and expertise for their personal development and career progression. He believes that the BSAS Mentoring Scheme can assist in creating strong professional networks within the animal science community, which can work collectively to address the future challenges of the sector.

‘Seeing our undergraduate students identifying gaps and planning professional development, increasing their confidence and achieving personal and career goals through the mentoring scheme, is among its most rewarding aspects and creates an excellent breeding ground for innovation.’

The BSAS Buddy Up Scheme allows those at a similar stage in their career to meet on a more informal basis to share experiences, act as a sounding board and offer each other more general support.

Become a BSAS Buddy

A Buddy is

An informal point of contact
Someone to meet in an informal environment
Someone who will reflect, with you, on their experiences at university/early career work place and share informal hints and tips on a wide range of related elements
Help build confidence, encourage and give support on a flexible basis

A Buddy isn’t

A counsellor
A careers advisor
A replacement for services, such as advice on finance or welfare
A tutor or someone who will proof read assignments, documents and coursework

Benefits of having a Buddy

Share experiences, practical advice, encouragement and support in a range of areas
Learn from the experiences - students/those in early career
Be part of the wider Buddy Up Scheme / Early Careers Forum and network that allows you to share your experiences

I want a Buddy! Please note that the Buddy Up scheme is only available to BSAS early career members.

To request a Buddy is really simple, please email bsas@bsas.org.uk now!

BSAS Buddy Case Study – Lucy Ross

BSAS Buddy and member of the Early Career Council Lucy Ross, has been a BSAS member since she started her PhD in 2018 at the University of Nottingham, focusing on heifer rearing and whole-farm feed efficiency in UK dairy systems.

Lucy was first made aware of the ‘Buddy Up’ scheme when she became a member of the Early Career Council and has been a Buddy since December 2020. She wanted to join the programme as she thought it was a great opportunity to engage with another member of the animal science community who was at a similar stage.

Soon after becoming a buddy, Lucy was paired up with an undergraduate from the University of Liverpool, who she credits with helping her to find out more about other people in the animal science community, other institutions, and their work. She also feels that being a member of the scheme over the course of the pandemic, when communication and interaction have been difficult, has been incredibly positive, as it has given her someone different to talk to, to engage in conversation and to help motivate.

Lucy believes the scheme is a fantastic idea and helps to bring early career scientists together: ‘I would encourage everybody to get involved with the scheme. The opportunity to interact with like-minded people to find out about animal science in different courses, pathways, institutions, countries, and cultures is fantastic. Not only is it helpful for academic and work-related support, but also for friendly discussion and motivation in other areas of life.’

Comprised of early career scientists from academia, research, industry and policy the Early Career Council (ECC) provides an invaluable resource to members at the beginning of their career journey. It offers advice, tailored support and training including regular workshops/webinars where participants can hone their skills on topics such as academic writing best practice, how to get published and obtaining funding. The Early Career Council ensures that our early career members have a voice within the Society.

Are you an undergraduate student undertaking animal science studies who is keen to actively promote BSAS membership, news, conference, workshops, awards, and publications?

Then click here to find out about becoming an undergraduate ambassador.

Case Study: Former BSAS Undergraduate Ambassador – Kerri Coffey

BSAS Undergraduate Ambassador Kerri Coffey is currently studying for a BSC (Hons) in Agriculture with Animal Science at Harper Adams University. As well as an interest in the growing crisis around animal health, Kerri’s main focus is on the issues regarding longevity in dairy cows, and how nationally they struggle to last 3 lactations, but are most efficient around the 6th lactation. Her choice of degree was inspired by her time spent on her uncle’s dairy farm in Kilkeel, Northern Ireland, where she noticed that while you can always find someone to drive a tractor, a good stockman is often hard to find. Another driver behind her choice of degree, was that Harper Adam’s has a pig unit, and although she had no previous experience, her time working on the unit has since led her to develop a keen interest in pig health and welfare, which she will explore further during her placement year with Bedordia and the AHDB.

Kerri has always been ambitious and open to new challenges and felt that the role of Undergraduate Ambassador would not only allow her to give back to her fellow undergraduates but would also provide a fantastic opportunity to enhance her career development and raise her profile amongst key industry figures and potential employers within the sector. To those considering applying to become an ambassador, she would advise that while the role is of course a multi-faceted one, one of the most important attributes that you must possess, is a willingness to get stuck in and be creative. As one day you will be attending the fresher’s fairs to generate interest in the Society amongst fledgling animal scientists, and on another you’ll be assisting in the promotion of the annual conferences and sharing information on events that could be of particular benefit and interest to undergraduates. Kerri helped Isla Soutter and former BSAS Senior-Vice President Michael Lee, to promote the BSAS virtual conference amongst undergraduates.

The promotion of the BSAS member services and benefits, is Kerri believes incredibly important, especially to the undergrads, so that they are fully aware of the plethora of benefits that can help support them through the early stages of their careers, such as the mentor and buddy schemes, access to industry contacts, event discounts, and courses and webinars that can help enhance their skillset. Kerri thoroughly enjoys her role as an Undergraduate Ambassador, and particularly likes working with the Society’s CEO Maggie Mitchell, on developing the role further. Sitting on the global and events committees which is another important aspect of being an Undergraduate Ambassador, has also Kerri said helped her to grow in confidence and gain a better insight into the latest research developments, which she can then apply to her own research.

To anyone thinking of applying for a BSAS Membership she says ‘Just go for it’. Before starting my second year I thought that it would be great to say I am a member of a Society to help me stand out from the crowd on my CV, and now I’m an ambassador helping to bring new ideas to the Society and sitting on committees with some of the sectors most talented researchers and industry professionals. If you had said this to me at the age of 15 while milking cows, I never would have believed it.’

If you would like to apply, email communications@bsas.org.uk and provide 3 reasons why you would like the role.

Become a member of BSAS today!

Join the BSAS animal science community to take advantage of....

networking opportunities to meet your peers and others from the animal science and related sectors, share knowledge and experiences with and between academia, industry and the public sector
special member registration fees for the BSAS annual conference fee and other events
25% discounted article processing charge (APC) for animal - the international journal of animal biosciences
complimentary membership of EAAP - facilitating access to discounted conference fees and participation in commissions to represent UK animal science (only available to members located in EAAP member countries)
free application to BSAS Register, and opportunity to become a Registered Animal Scientist or Animal Technologist
access to the BSAS member portal resources and video library
getting involved in projects and committees helping to shape the future of animal science

Membership subscriptions and your contribution to BSAS activities are essential in achieving our vision to lead the communication of evidence-based scientific information and in being an organisation that delivers tangible benefits and supports and values the perspectives of our members and partners.

Your membership helps us to:

bring together and provide a platform for individuals and organisations that are committed to the advancement of sustainable livestock by stimulating interest and championing discussion on addressing climate change and wider ecosystem challenges
champion global collaboration and disseminate evidence-based science related to, a one nutrition, one health, multi-disciplinary approach to addressing future food security, informing government policy and related decision-making activities
work with all sectors in, and related to, animal science to encourage and ensure sharing of fact-based information to improve animal health and welfare; and the care of equine, companion, and zoo animals
encourage and support the development of early-career professionals as tomorrow's leaders and, thereafter, throughout their careers

If you have any questions about becoming a BSAS Member or about your BSAS Membership, please do not hesitate to contact us at membership@bsas.org.uk. To join please use the 'apply now' quick links in the side navigation. To renew your membership please click here

You can read more about the benefits of becoming a BSAS member in our downloadable Membership Booklet

Membership Fees (per annum)

Student (full-time education) - £25

Graduate (up to 3 years post full-time education) - £60

Individual (professional) - £120

Retired - £60

Low to middle income countries (LMIC) - £25

‘Whether you are an established researcher in a university, a student on an animal science degree programme, or a user of animal science in industry or on farms, a BSAS membership provides you with a wealth of opportunities to progress and enhance your career. As a membership organisation we exist to serve our members, providing support to those involved in animal science and its application in the UK and overseas and our team of membership managers, specialist committees and active members are on hand to answer any questions you may have.’

Kim Matthews, BSAS Past President

The Society's undergraduate members are supported with a host of tools and resources to support their fledgling careers and help them feel better prepared for the transition from student to professional. This includes providing opportunities to network with leading academics and industry professionals. Comprised of early career scientists from academia, research, industry and policy the Early Career Council (ECC) provides an invaluable resource to members at the beginning of their career journey. It offers advice, tailored support and training.

Contact us...

About Membership and Register
E: membership@bsas.org.uk

E: register@bsas.org.uk

About Events
E: events@bsas.org.uk

About Communications
E: communications@bsas.org.uk

About Finance
E: finance@bsas.org.uk

Write to us...

Registered address:
BSAS SCIO
18 North Street
Glenrothes
Fife KY7 5NA

DONATE TO HELP US CONTINUE TO CHAMPION AND SHAPE THE FUTURE OF ANIMAL SCIENCE

BSAS is a charity, relying on donations, membership and conference fees to continue to provide support and resources for the animal science and technology sector. Right now, and always, we need your help.

FIND OUT MORE

What your donations mean

Our membership services are funded by donations, membership and conference fees. Every penny donated and spent with the society goes back in to help us improve and grow our services. Without your valuable support, we would not be able to continue.

Every little helps

Every little helps, and we greatly appreciate donations, large and small, to help us continue to offer the services widely relied on across the animal science and technology sector. From academia through to industry and across a depth and breadth of specialisms including agriculture, companion, equine and zoo animals, we continue to ensure resources, topics and opportunities are always available.

Leave a little something in your legacy

You can continue to help us champion animal science and support the sector by leaving a donation to BSAS in your legacy. You can help support this vital sector and the work that we do and provide a bright future for the industry by choosing to leave a donation in your will. For further information about this and many other sponsorship opportunities, please contact the BSAS CEO, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) – your gift could enrich the career progression of some of our fledgling animal scientists for decades to come.

BSAS Student Membership unlocks a wealth of opportunities to kick start your career and learning in animal science. Sign up during our Refreshers week and be in with a chance to win one of these great prizes:

1. Undergraduate delegate ticket for BSAS 2026. Attend the biggest conference for the animal science community in the UK & Ireland. Attend keynote sessions, the president's session and plenaries over the two days and hear the latest advancements in animal science. Meet early career peers alongside some of the biggest characters in the animal science community. Visit the poster sessions and networking activities to start building your network. This is a fantastic opportunity to build your skills, network, and explore career options!

2. A fully branded BSAS body warmer! Freshly ordered for 2025, the new BSAS body warmer is both practical and stylish, perfect for conferences and meetings in the office as well as onsite at the farm.

All new student members who sign up during our Refreshers week will automatically be entered into the the prize draw.

GET INVOLVED

We are always looking for volunteers to help promote BSAS Student Membership during Freshers and Refreshers week. If you and your academic institution fancy getting involved please feel free to email us for more information catherine.lowe@bsas.org.uk

Panel Discussion

Slides

Elizabeth Magowan

Erin Sherry

Jack Hannam

James Taylor