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The Late Dr. Ira Mandell
As a professor and researcher in the department of animal biosciences at the University of Guelph, Dr. Mandell dedicated his career to advancing and addressing issues surrounding beef production and meat quality.
Photo: Beef@Guelph
The Dr. Ira Mandell Research Award is presented annually by the Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) upon the recommendation of the BFO Research Committee. Valued at $2,500, this award recognizes exceptional research that advances the knowledge, innovation, and sustainability of Ontario’s beef sector.
Eligible candidates include Master’s and PhD researchers at recognized universities conducting research relevant to the Ontario beef sector. Candidates must be nominated or supported by their academic supervisor or principal investigator.
When multiple qualified candidates are under consideration, the BFO Research Committee will interview the top contenders to determine the recipient.
The award is presented at the BFO Annual General Meeting (AGM) each February. As part of the award, the recipient will deliver a brief presentation to the BFO membership at the AGM, outlining their current research project and its potential benefits to Ontario’s beef sector.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Dr. Ira Mandell Research Award, applicants must:
- Be currently enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program at a recognized Ontario university or college.
- Be conducting research with direct relevance to the Ontario beef industry.
- Demonstrate potential for the research to contribute to the advancement, sustainability, or competitiveness of the sector.
- Provide a nomination or letter of support from their academic supervisor or principal investigator.
- Be available to present their research at the BFO AGM in February (in-person or virtually), or at another BFO event in the event of a conflict.
Application Instructions
- Complete the Award Application Form
- Attach:
- A current Curriculum Vitae
- A summary of your research (maximum 2 pages) including:
- Background and objectives, and any outcomes to date
- Methodology
- Expected outcomes and potential benefits to the Ontario beef sector
- One letter of support from your academic supervisor or principal investigator
How to Submit
Submit all materials as a single PDF to Barb Caswell by end of day, November 4th, 2026.
Recipients
Madeline McLennan
2026 Recipient
A PhD student in the University of Guelph’s Department of Animal Biosciences, McLennan is exploring nutritional strategies that could improve the performance and efficiency of finishing beef cattle while enhancing carcass value and meat quality.