Mayo man appointed president of British Society of Animal Science
THE British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) has announced the appointment of Professor David Kenny as its new president, marking a significant milestone as only the second president based in the Republic of Ireland.
The Mayo man's presidency comes at an exciting time, coinciding with the announcement that the BSAS annual conference in 2025 will be hosted in Galway next April. The theme, Animal Science supporting livestock's role in a global society, underscores the critical role of animal science in addressing the challenges and opportunities facing the livestock industry worldwide.
Prof. Kenny is from Ballindine, where he runs the family farm.
His appointment reinforces the society's commitment to driving collaboration among scientists, industry professionals and policymakers to address pressing challenges and opportunities in livestock farming [and animal welfare] and nurturing the next generation of animal scientists. His dedication to excellence and passion for advancing the field make him an ideal choice to lead the society forward.
“We are delighted to welcome Professor David Kenny as our new president,” said Maggie Mitchell, CEO of the British Society of Animal Science. “His extensive expertise and leadership qualities will be invaluable as we continue to drive advancements in animal science for the benefit of society and the environment.”
As Head of the Teagasc Animal and Bioscience Research Department in Ireland, Prof. Kenny brings over 25 years of research experience to his new role. His expertise spans a wide range of topics, including the biological control of economically important traits in ruminant livestock production systems, ruminal methanogenesis, and the development and functionality of the rumen microbiome.
His commitment to research and education is exemplified by his supervision of 19 Ph.D. and numerous M.Sc. students. His extensive publication record includes over 200 internationally peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts and book chapters. He is a recognised leader in the field, serving as the incoming president of BSAS, president of the Physiology Study Commission of the European Association of Animal Production, and a member of the management board of the international scientific journal, Animal.
Among his many accolades, Prof. Kenny was awarded the prestigious Hammond Award by BSAS in 2018 for his outstanding contributions to understanding how nutrition affects economically important traits in cattle.
Beyond his academic pursuits, Prof. Kenny is deeply involved in the agricultural community, running a beef and sheep farm in Mayo, and actively engaging with the beef cattle sector and wider agricultural industry.
“I intend to work closely with the presidential team and the trustees to further grow the society's membership, events, publications, and training opportunities,” said Prof. Kenny. “Together, we will continue the diligent work of our predecessors in ensuring the viability and continued development of BSAS into the future.”