The UFAW Early Career Animal Welfare Researcher of the Year Award recognises the achievements of early career scientists who have made significant contributions to improving the welfare of animals.
Dr Neville was nominated for the award in recognition of her academic excellence, drive and leadership in improving the welfare of laboratory animals.
Dr Neville drives welfare science forward using her groundbreaking skill for developing and applying novel approaches to address important welfare questions. She has diverse research interests, but the majority of her work focuses on using high quality fundamental science studies that enable us to better understand animal emotion and consequently welfare. She has studied a range of companion and laboratory species including starlings, rabbits, and rats.
Beyond her research skills, Dr Neville’s passion for welfare science is further evidenced in her dedication to mentoring colleagues and students in the use of quantitative approaches to animal welfare issues.
Dr Neville, Research Fellow and Proleptic Lecturer at Bristol Veterinary School, commenting on her award, said: "I'm incredibly honoured to receive this year's UFAW Early Career Animal Welfare Researcher of the Year Award. It is a joy and privilege to be an animal welfare researcher, and this award is the cherry on top of the cake.
“I'm hugely grateful to my wonderful colleagues and mentors, particularly Professor Mike Mendl, Dr Liz Paul, Professor Peter Dayan and Professor Iain Gilchrist, for their support and encouragement."
Dr Huw Golledge, UFAW Chief Executive and Scientific Director, added: “We are delighted to be able to recognise the significant impact that Dr Neville has made to the field of animal welfare science so early on in her career. She has already established herself as an accomplished animal welfare scientist whose work has continued positive impact on animal welfare. Her impressive array of skills and passion for welfare science, combined with her dedication to supporting her peers make her a truly worthy recipient of the ECR award.”
Tim Parkin, Professor of Veterinary Epidemiology and Head of Bristol Veterinary School, added: “The research Vikki has done into animal welfare has been outstanding and I am delighted that Vikki is receiving recognition for her hard work.
“At Bristol Veterinary School we are constantly looking to drive positive change in veterinary medicine and make a difference both nationally and internationally. Vikki is undoubtedly contributing to this aim, and it is a pleasure to have her as part of the team.”
Dr Neville will be presented with her award, and speak about her work, at the UFAW International Animal Welfare Conference taking place in Porto, Portugal, on 10 – 11 July 2024.