Royal honour for SRUC Head of Research
A lifelong devotion to animal genetics, which included meeting the world’s most famous sheep, has led to an honorary OBE for SRUC’s Head of Research.
Eileen Wall, Professor of Integrative Livestock Genetics at SRUC, has been honoured for services to Agricultural Science, her scientific contribution to livestock improvement and her leadership of research and innovation at national and international level.
Originally from Dublin, Prof Wall joined SRUC as a postdoctoral researcher in 2001 and has built an internationally recognised research profile in livestock genetics. Her work has focused on integrating quantitative genetics, data science and sustainability to improve productivity, fertility, health and environmental performance in livestock systems.
She has contributed to advances in genetic evaluation, genomic selection and the development of tools that support farmers and breeding organisations in delivering long-term genetic gain.
Alongside her research, she has taken on leadership roles across the wider research and innovation landscape, serving on national and international review panels, chairing funding evaluations and contributing to research policy discussions. Since becoming Head of Research at SRUC in 2019, she has represented the institution at sector level, strengthening collaboration and impact in agricultural and natural economy research in Scotland and internationally.
After gaining a degree and Master’s at University College Dublin, Prof Wall moved to Scotland for her PhD in 1998 at the University of Edinburgh and the Roslin Institute.
In the early days of her PhD, she got the chance to meet Dolly the Sheep – the world’s first cloned mammal.
“Seeing Dolly so early in my career was genuinely formative,” explained Prof Wall. “The Nature paper had only just been published and it was part of my studies in Dublin, so to encounter that science in real life brought it into sharp focus.
“Although I grew up in central Dublin rather than on a farm, I was always interested in breeding and genetics. Animal science offered a way to combine intellectual curiosity with practical application. What has always mattered to me is that the science makes a difference. At SRUC, that connection between evidence and impact is core to our mission. Whether working with farmers in Scotland or collaborating internationally, the aim is the same – to apply strong science in ways that impact policy and practice and lead to real change.
“Agricultural science is about delivering solutions that matter. This recognition also reflects the work of colleagues and collaborators who share that commitment.”
Professor Wayne Powell, Principal and Chief Executive of SRUC, said: “On behalf of everyone at SRUC, I would like to congratulate Eileen on this tremendous and hugely deserved honour. Not only is she an outstanding scientist, but she is a much-valued colleague and, under her guidance and leadership, research at SRUC has continued to go from strength to strength.”
Posted by SRUC on 20/02/2026
