“We have an impressive group of faculty at the U of S. The contributions of these four scholars are outstanding,” said Vice-Provost Jim Germida. “Researchers of this calibre advance the U of S as a world-class institution. The leadership these individuals have displayed in research, discovery and mentorship is truly extraordinary.”

The U of S Distinguished Professorship Program was created in 2010 to celebrate exceptional achievement in research, scholarly and artistic work by U of S faculty or emeriti.

Hank Classen is a professor in the Department of Animal and Poultry Science. His contributions to poultry welfare, nutrition and management have had a significant effect on the industry with regards to improving animal health and introducing cost-saving measures.

Among his contributions, Classen investigated the processes involved in nutrient absorption and pioneered the addition of microbial enzymes to cereal-based animal feeds, improving feeding management in many parts of the world. He is a world authority on lighting regimens and demonstrated that lighting influences the feeding behaviour and health of poultry. Classen has also demonstrated that poultry transport conditions have a serious effect on the welfare, mortality and meat quality.

Classen has continuously engaged in commercially relevant research and currently holds eight patents. In 2004 he and his colleagues won the Award of Innovation after they developed a patented process to convert canola meal-a byproduct of canola processing-into multiple products such as high-protein concentrates for the aquaculture industry, customized protein fibre products for cattle feed, and various co-products for use in markets from food to cosmetics.