معرفی
Professor David Main is the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic Planning & Resources) and Professor of Production Animal Health and Welfare at the Royal Agricultural University. His research focuses on animal welfare assessment, knowledge exchange, and veterinary communication strategies. He chairs the Home Office Animals in Science Committee and advises organizations like McDonald’s Global Chicken Sustainability Council. Former roles include membership in the Farm Animal Welfare Council and Soil Association Council.
Key educational qualifications include a BVetMed (Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine), PhD, and certifications in veterinary radiology (CertVR) and animal welfare (DWEL, DipECAWBM). His work emphasizes practical solutions such as the AssureWel project (collaborating with RSPCA and Soil Association) and the Healthy Feet Project (reducing dairy cattle lameness). He led the EU-funded Hennovation project, exploring participatory innovation in laying hen welfare.
Research interests span improving veterinary-farmer communication through Motivational Interviewing techniques, welfare outcome assessments in farm assurance schemes, and antimicrobial resistance mitigation. His projects often bridge scientific rigor with farmer expertise, aiming to enhance both animal welfare and agricultural sustainability.
Despite no listed scientific awards, his contributions include developing frameworks for assessing animal welfare (e.g., the ‘Good Life’ resource tiers for laying hens) and influencing policy through multi-stakeholder initiatives. Grants and collaborations are central to his work, though specific funding details are not provided here.
He is involved in educational initiatives, such as curriculum development for veterinary students on animal sentience and welfare ethics. His lab or team collaborations focus on participatory research models, ensuring farmer-led innovation in animal care practices.
