Scientific contributions of Twink Allen

Abstract

On 6th June 2021, we lost a colleague and friend, and without doubt one of reproductive biology’s giants. Professor William Richard Allen CBE, FRCVS, ScD, universally known as Twink, will not only be remembered as a pre-eminent pioneering scientist in equine reproduction, but also for practical advances that significantly influenced the clinical management of breeding mares and stallions. These scientific achievements were matched by his enthusiastic, charismatic, determined and urgent approach to science consistently applied in his endeavour to search for new knowledge. Twink was a captivating speaker and educator who had a unique ability to convey the excitement and relevance of his science to a wide audience. As a consequence of these qualities, combined with his openness to welcome a constant stream of visitors to his laboratory, he inspired and influenced students and scientists from across the globe. Twink was also a regular attendee at Society for Reproduction and Fertility (SRF) conferences, held SRF and later honorary membership for over 50 years, and was the recipient of SRF’s most prestigious award in 2009, the Marshall Medal.