Women in Agriculture Studies Excellence Award presented to UCD student

2 April 2025

^{UCD student Ruth Connolly being presented with the Women in Agriculture Studies Excellence Award by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD}

Ruth Connolly, a final year PhD student from the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science (SAFS), has won the Women in Agriculture Studies Excellence Award.

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

Ruth was selected by the evaluation committee in recognition of her work ethic, engagement with the programme and 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, who is from Co. Galway, graduated from UCD with a First-Class Honours degree in Animal Science in August 2020 and embarked on her PhD in September 2021. 

Her research programme is focused on identifying feeding strategies and feed additives for the diets of weaned pigs which improve growth and development, gut function and digestive health.

“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,” said Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, who presented Ruth with the award. 

“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 award aligns with the objectives of the Department’s Women in Agriculture Action Plan, as well as with the UCD SAFS’ recent commitment to recognise such student achievements. 

The UCD 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.

By: Rebecca Hastings, Digital Journalist, UCD University Relations

To contact the UCD News & Content Team, email: newsdesk@ucd.ie