Teagasc researcher Dr. Cliona Ryan has received the BISAS Communication in Marketing Excellence Award for her innovative campaign translating complex genomic research into practical tools for farmers.
Dr. Ryan’s work addresses a largely unrecognised issue in livestock: chromosomal abnormalities that leave animals appearing normal but often result in infertility or premature death. Her research, spanning nearly 1.3 million cattle, 63,000 sheep, and 21,000 horses, estimates that around 1,500 calves, 3,000 lambs, and 37 foals are affected annually in Ireland.
Crucially, she demonstrated that these conditions can be detected at no additional cost using existing genotype data.
From Science to Farm-Level Action
Dr. Ryan’s campaign focused on making genomic information clear, relevant, and actionable. Through visual storytelling, plain-language communication, and direct farmer engagement, she highlighted the real-world impact of these conditions on farm profitability and animal welfare.
Her work has already driven industry change:
Wide Reach, Lasting Impact
The campaign reached:
By framing the science around cost, time, and animal welfare, Dr Ryan enabled farmers to recognise and act on issues that were previously unexplained.
Delivering Real Benefits
Early detection helps farmers avoid significant losses, such as rearing animals that will never breed or investing in infertile stock bulls. By using data already collected, Dr Ryan’s approach provides a scalable, cost-free solution with clear economic and welfare benefits.
Kim Matthews, from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board in the UK (AHDB), award sponsor commented: “This is an excellent example of how high-quality science, when communicated effectively, can deliver real impact on farm. Cliona’s work demonstrates the value of making complex research accessible and actionable for farmers and the wider industry.”
On accepting the award, Cliona Ryan, Teagasc commented: “The aim was to make complex science practical. If farmers can use the information immediately, then it has real value.”
Professor David Kenny, Head of Animal and Bioscience Department in Teagasc welcomed the recognition: “Cliona’s work is a powerful example of Teagasc’s commitment to delivering research that has real and measurable impact at farm level. By translating advanced genomics into practical tools, this work is already improving decision-making, animal welfare, and farm efficiency across the sector.”
The British and Irish Society of Animal Science (BISAS) is the principal learned body supporting animal science in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
