Coetzee awarded 2025 NAS Prize in Food and Agriculture SciencesCoetzee awarded 2025 NAS Prize in Food and Agriculture Sciences

Research includes developing innovative, objective methods to quantify pain in food-producing animals, including beef and dairy cattle, sheep and swine.

Industry Release

January 24, 2025

2 Min Read
Man with cows in background
NAS

Pain management is a critical component of ensuring animal welfare in livestock production systems. The National Academy of Sciences is awarding Hans Coetzee of Kansas State University the 2025 NAS Prize in Food and Agriculture Sciences for his groundbreaking research on safe and cost-effective pain management practices in livestock, which have transformed animal welfare.

The NAS Prize, endowed by the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is awarded annually to a mid-career scientist at a U.S. institution making an extraordinary contribution to agriculture or to the understanding of the biology of a species fundamentally important to agriculture or food production. The prize includes a medal and a $100,000 award.

Coetzee’s extensive body of work includes developing innovative, objective methods to quantify pain in food-producing animals, including beef and dairy cattle, sheep and swine. He has created validated models that use physiological, behavioral and neuroendocrine markers to evaluate pharmaceutical products for managing pain during routine livestock procedures. His groundbreaking research has led to the approval of the first analgesic, or painkiller, drug for use in livestock and has driven new animal care standards, improved health outcomes and reduced antibiotic use.

Related:Audits, certification provide assurances

“Livestock play a vital role in global food systems, and ensuring their welfare is essential to producing healthy, sustainable food,” said Saharah Moon Chapotin, FFAR’s executive director. “Dr. Coetzee’s pioneering research on pain management has led to meaningful changes in animal care practices and policies, improving livestock health and advancing sustainable agriculture. FFAR congratulates him on this prestigious prize.”

“I am deeply honored to receive this prestigious award,” said Coetzee. “This recognition underscores the critical importance of pain management in animal agriculture. By improving animal welfare, we not only enhance the quality of life for livestock but also contribute to a more sustainable and ethical food system.”

Coetzee will be honored in a ceremony on Sunday, April 27 during the National Academy of Sciences’ 162nd annual meeting.

Subscribe to Our Newsletters
BEEF Magazine is the source for beef production, management and market news.

You May Also Like