SRUC academics take Queen Elizabeth Prize success to Washington DC
SRUC academics took part in a prestigious international education exchange in Washington DC last week, following the institution’s third Queen Elizabeth Prize for Higher and Further Education and its longstanding research collaboration with the United States.
Mike Coffey, Professor of Livestock Informatics and PhD student Abby Wells visited Washington DC from 5-9 October as part of the Queen Elizabeth Prizes for Education: USA Exchange, joining representatives from eight UK universities and colleges that have previously won the prize.
Mike and Abby were selected by a panel of judges following their successful applications giving them the opportunity to develop international connections, share expertise and learn from higher education colleagues in the United States.
As part of the programme, they met with Dr Jon Oatley, Associate Dean at Washington State University, to explore opportunities to build on existing research links in surrogate sires and develop future collaboration. A visit to the Council for Dairy Cattle Breeding office allowed for exchange of genetic sequence data and discussions with Dr John Cole on upgrading genomic evaluation pipelines.
The exchange is part of the alumni programme run by the Royal Anniversary Trust, which brings together representatives from Queen Elizabeth Prize-winning institutions to build international connections and share knowledge.
Professor Mike Coffey said: “It was an honour and a fantastic opportunity to represent SRUC as part of the Queen Elizabeth Prizes for Education USA Exchange. The work recognised by the Prize has a strong international relevance, particularly around how agricultural data, research and innovation can support farmers and inform policy. Our longstanding collaboration with colleagues in the US demonstrates the value of sharing expertise across borders. It was great to meet colleagues, explore emerging technologies and discuss opportunities for future research and collaboration.”
Abby Wells said: “It was a real privilege to have been selected for the USA Exchange and to have the opportunity to represent SRUC internationally. It was a fantastic experience to meet people from different universities and colleges, learn more about the work being done in the US and bring back ideas and connections that could benefit SRUC.”
SRUC was awarded its third Queen Elizabeth Prize for the 2024–26 period in recognition of the impact of the Scottish Farm Business Survey, which has helped shape Scottish agricultural policy and practice for almost a century.
SRUC previously received the prize in 2017 for its dairy genetics research relating to the Langhill Herd in Dumfries, and in 2023 for its contribution to animal welfare, veterinary science, education, research and the economy through its Veterinary Services network.
Professor Wayne Powell, Principal and Chief Executive of SRUC, said: “The Queen Elizabeth Prize is the highest form of recognition for further and higher education institutions in the UK, so to be honoured for a third time was an extraordinary achievement. The USA Exchange is a fantastic opportunity for Mike and Abby to build on that success, develop international relationships and showcase the expertise and impact of SRUC on an international stage.”
Posted by SRUC on 14/10/2026
