The British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Richard Dewhurst as the Associate Editor-in-Chief of animal – the society’s flagship international journal published in partnership with INRAE and EAAP.

Professor Dewhurst is a Professor of Ruminant Nutrition & Production Systems and Head of the Dairy Research & Innovation Centre at SRUC (Scotland’s Rural College). With a career spanning more than 35 years, he has worked at the interface of ruminant nutrition, product composition and rumen function, combining fundamental science with practical application to advance sustainable livestock systems.

A former President of BSAS, he has previously led major research units in Wales, New Zealand and Ireland, describing his career as “a tour of the English-speaking world.” His contributions to animal science have been recognised internationally – he is a former President of both the British Society of Animal Science and the New Zealand Society of Animal Production, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology, and recipient of the prestigious Sir John Hammond Memorial Award.

Professor Dewhurst’s current research focuses on developing biomarkers for feed conversion efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions from ruminants, understanding host–microbiome interactions, and advancing sensor technologies for the dairy value chain. He also manages SRUC’s renowned Langhill Dairy Cow breeding study, which recently marked its 50th anniversary.

His international collaborations include leadership roles in major research consortia such as ‘Rumen Stability’ (FACCE-JPI), as well as the EU Horizon 2020 ‘SmartCow’, ‘Legumes Translated’ and ‘HoloRuminant’ projects. He also serves as a Co-Chair of the Global Research Alliance (GRA) Livestock Research Group, driving global cooperation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from livestock systems.

Commenting on his appointment, Professor Dewhurst said: “animal has played a pivotal role in connecting research communities and translating animal science into practice worldwide. I am honoured to lead the journal at such an exciting time for the field – one where innovation, collaboration and sustainability are central to the future of livestock production.” Professor Dewhurst will oversee the strategic direction and editorial development of animal and its sister titles within the animal Family of Journals.