Federal Animal Welfare Award 2026: Honorary Award for Johannes Baumgartner

Johannes Baumgartner was honored by the Federal Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection (BMASGPK) at a festive gala for his decades of scientifically grounded commitment to improving animal welfare.

Photo: BMASGPK / Elisabeth Mandl

The BMASGPK’s Federal Animal Welfare Award shines a spotlight on outstanding dedication and promotes innovative approaches to animal welfare - from scientific projects to on-the-ground initiatives. This year, a total of seven distinctions were conferred: two Federal Animal Welfare Awards, two Jury Prizes, two prizes for children and young people, and the Honorary Award. The latter was bestowed this year on animal welfare expert Johannes Baumgartner, who has worked for decades to improve the welfare of farm animals.

At the Center for Animal Nutrition and Animal Welfare Science at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna (Vetmeduni), he brings together research, teaching, expert advisory work, committee service, and knowledge transfer into practice. With his scientific expertise, he has played a key role in advancing animal welfare in Austria in an evidence-based and practicable way. Most recently, as part of the EU project aWISH, he researched how to make the welfare of millions of fattening pigs visible using digital tools - an approach that makes robust in-barn data usable and can trigger immediate improvements. Johannes Baumgartner will soon be entering a well‑deserved retirement.

The ceremony at the Ministry of Social Affairs provided a fitting setting: State Secretary for Animal Welfare Ulrike Königsberger-Ludwig presented the Honorary Award and paid tribute to the consistency with which Baumgartner has brought science and practice together over decades. In her closing remarks, Federal Minister Korinna Schumann echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of effective animal protection for society as a whole and thanking all award recipients for their commitment. The laudatory speech was delivered by animal ethicist Herwig Grimm (Vetmeduni), who highlighted Baumgartner’s contribution to making the debate more objective and his role as a bridge-builder between research, agriculture, and the public. More than 100 guests attended the ceremony.

Vetmeduni extends its warmest congratulations!

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