Minister Heydon presents Women in Agriculture Studies Excellence Award

The award which is sponsored by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine acknowledges and recognises females innovating and excelling in the agri-food sector.

Ruth Connolly was selected by the evaluation committee in recognition of her work ethic, engagement with the programme and her academic achievements. The committee also acknowledged her ongoing contribution to gender equality, inclusion, and empowerment within the SAFS and the wider UCD and external communities.

Ruth Connolly, who is from Galway, graduated from UCD with a First-Class Honours degree in Animal Science in August 2020 and embarked on her PhD in Animal Science in September 2021. Her research programme is focused on identifying feeding strategies and feed additives for the diets of weaned pigs which improve thrive, gut function and digestive health.

Presenting the award, Minister Heydon, said: “I would like to congratulate Ruth Connolly on being awarded the Women in Agriculture Studies Excellence Award. This award is just one way in which we can acknowledge and promote the involvement of exceptional women and young girls who can become mentors and role models for future generations of women in agriculture.

“The award aims to improve the status of women in the agricultural sector, contributing to a more inclusive future for the sector. It is appropriate that this award is presented during UCD’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion week. As we reflect on the importance of diversity, equality and inclusion, we acknowledge the achievements of women in agriculture, and we are honouring those who inspire change and pave the way for a better future.”

The Women in Agriculture Studies Excellence Award aligns with the objectives of the Department’s Women in Agriculture Action Plan and with the UCD SAFS recent commitment to recognise such student achievements. SAFS recently achieved an Athena Swan Silver Award, the first School in UCD to do so, in recognition of its promotion of gender equality within its staff and student community, and recognition of student contribution is at the core of those efforts.