Dr Sarah Adcock is Assistant Professor in Animal Welfare in the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA. Her research focuses on improving the understanding and mitigation of pain and disease in livestock, integrating animal welfare science into sustainable food production, and supporting understudied food systems such as dairy sheep and insect farming.
Dr Adcock has already made significant contributions to applied animal welfare science through innovative work that has helped shape more humane husbandry practices. She also leads pioneering research on welfare in insect farming, directing a USDA-funded interdisciplinary project on black soldier fly larvae to support the ethical development of this rapidly expanding sector. With a strong publication record, substantial research support, and a clear commitment to applying robust science to real world challenges, she is helping shape the future direction of welfare-focused food systems. A committed proponent of open science, she champions data sharing, replicability, and stringency in scientific methods.
In response to receiving this award, Dr Adcock said: “I’m truly honoured to receive this award. As UFAW celebrates its centennial year, it’s especially meaningful to be recognised by an organisation that has long been a leader in advancing animal welfare. I’m very grateful for the guidance and support I’ve received from exceptional mentors and colleagues, and for the dedicated students who help drive the research forward. I feel privileged to be part of such a supportive community and I’m excited to keep contributing to a field where rigorous science can drive real improvements in animals’ lives.”
Dr Huw Golledge concluded: “We are equally delighted to recognise Dr Adcock as a joint recipient of this award. Her research spans an impressive range – from improving pain and disease management in livestock to pioneering welfare standards in emerging sectors like insect farming. What stands out is her commitment to ensuring that rigorous, open science drives real change in how animals are cared for, which is very much in the spirit of what UFAW seeks to support. We look forward to seeing the continued impact of her work in the years ahead.”
Article extracted from the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare: https://www.ufaw.org.uk/press-releases/2026-ufaw-awards-winners-announced