The award – which enables individuals to conduct in-depth studies during an extensive world-wide study tour – will allow Helen to develop her knowledge and understanding of the global pork industry. Her main aim will be to gather information that will ultimately benefit UK producers.

Helen Thoday

Helen’s personal study tour will take as its topic ‘The UK Pig Industry in 2020’, and will look at the industry’s role in feeding the 9 billion world population predicted by 2050. She plans to use her industry contacts to put together a programme that will take her as far afield as Brazil, China, the US and Canada.

“The UK pig industry is a very passionate one, but in terms of the global pork industry it is very small. I want to find out how globalisation is relevant to individuals and their setups in the UK and, most importantly, how we can contribute to feeding an ever-growing population,“ said Helen.

Merial and BPEX are jointly sponsoring a Nuffield award for the second year running, after the introduction in 2009 of a new scholarship focussed specifically on the pig sector.

Merial veterinary adviser Ricardo Neto said: “Our sponsorship of the award supports a continuing effort to encourage innovation in the pig industry, and to bring in new ideas that benefit UK producers. We had terrific success last year with our Nuffield Scholar, Richard Hooper, in terms of his personal development, but more so through the tremendously valuable insights he has been able to bring back to share with the UK pig industry. I’m sure Helen will continue that strong tradition.“

Helen’s study programme began with a visit to London last month to meet the other UK-based Nuffield Scholars, before attending the Contemporary Scholars Conference in the US to meet other Scholars from around the world. Her programme will continue with frequent visits abroad into next year.