Kerli Mõtus, Associate Professor at the Estonian University of Life Sciences, receives the National Science Award

The award was granted to Kerli Mõtus for her research cycle titled "Culling and Mortality of Dairy Cows in Modern High-Production Dairy Herds – A Multidisciplinary Study." In Estonia, as well as globally, milk production is increasingly concentrated in larger farms. Therefore, it is important to understand not only the well-researched animal-based risk factors but also the complex herd-based factors affecting the health and welfare of dairy cows. This has been the focus of Mõtus' research.

What makes the research special and innovative is the connection of veterinary medicine issues with social sciences and the application of innovative statistical methods. The correlations found between human economic decisions and their attitudes, values, and personality traits are likely to be of interest across various disciplines.

As a result of the research, two doctoral theses have been defended, and one is in the process of being defended, alongside numerous theses by veterinary students. This project has significantly contributed to the next generation of researchers.

The results of the work have already been implemented in Estonia's cattle health programs, which Kerli Mõtus has led.

The size of the Republic of Estonia's Science Award is 20,000 euros. The awards will be presented in a ceremony as part of the celebrations for the Republic's Independence Day on February 19.