The British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) proudly announces 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. Professor. Kenny follows in the footsteps of Dr Jim O’Grady, who served from 1990 to 1991, in representing Ireland's vibrant contributions to the field of animal science.
Professor Kenny's presidency comes at an exciting time, coinciding with the announcement that the BSAS Annual Conference in 2025 will be hosted in Galway, Ireland, from 8th to 10th 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.
Professor Kenny's 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."
Expressing his gratitude and enthusiasm, Professor Kenny stated, "I am honoured and privileged to lead the British Society of Animal Science as president for the next 12 months. The society continues to play a pivotal role as a platform for the widespread dissemination of state-of-the-art research findings, professional development, education, and as a representative body for the animal science sector."
As Head of the Teagasc Animal and Bioscience Research Department in Ireland, Professor 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.
Professor Kenny's commitment to research and education is exemplified by his supervision of 19 Ph.D. and numerous M.Sc. students. His extensive publication record, which 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, Professor 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, Professor Kenny is deeply involved in the agricultural community, running a beef and sheep farm in County Mayo, Ireland, 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," Professor Kenny affirmed. "Together, we will continue the diligent work of our predecessors in ensuring the viability and continued development of BSAS into the future."
Professor David Kenny's presidency heralds a new chapter for the British Society of Animal Science, marked by innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to advancing the frontiers of animal science for the betterment of society and the environment.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Sinead Lynch, Communications Manager, BSAS - sinead.lynch@bsas.org.uk
About the British Society of Animal Science:
The British Society of Animal Science is a leading professional organisation dedicated to advancement of animal science. Through its activities, the society promotes collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation among researchers, educators, industry professionals, and policymakers to address global challenges in animal agriculture and sustainability.
About Professor David Kenny:
Professor David Kenny is Head of the Teagasc Animal and Bioscience Research Department in Ireland. He has over 25 years of research experience in the biological control of a range of economically important traits to ruminant livestock production systems, including growth and reproductive efficiency, ruminal methanogenesis and the development and functionality of the rumen microbiome. He has supervised the studies of 19 Ph.D. and nine M.Sc. students to completion, as principal supervisor and his research has resulted in the publication of over 200 full length internationally peer reviewed scientific manuscripts and book chapters to-date. He is the incoming president of the British Society of Animal Science (BSAS; April 2024), president of the Physiology Study Commission of the European Association of Animal Production and is a member of the management board of the international scientific journal, Animal. He has led many large research consortia and is currently co-ordinator of the recently awarded €5m Horizon Europe project, ‘towards sustainable livestock systems: European platform for evidence building and transitioning policy (STEP UP)’. He was awarded the prestigious Hammond award by BSAS in 2018 in recognition of outstanding contribution to an improved understanding of how nutrition affects the complex underlying biology regulating economically important traits in cattle, including feed efficiency, rumen methane emissions and male and female reproduction.
He runs a beef and sheep farm in County Mayo, in the west of Ireland and is integrally involved, and is well known, within the beef cattle sector and wider agricultural industry in Ireland.