The accolade recognises individuals or organisations that have made significant technical, scientific or other advances, which have led to improvements in the humane slaughter of livestock.
The HSA said Lambooij’s work has covered both fundamental research on aspects of neurophysiology and research into novel technologies for improved stunning, including for fish, broiler chickens and pigs – the latter, for example, leading to the development of a new restraining system which not only improves animal welfare but also meat quality and, consequently, is now used in slaughterhouses worldwide.
It has also resulted in the publishing of more than 100 peer-reviewed papers since 1995.
His work has also involved the refinement of existing slaughter and husbandry techniques.
The award was presented to Lambooij at the Recent Advances in Animal Welfare Science conference by HSA chief executive Doctor Robert Hubrecht, last month.