Submitted by Christina Rozeik on Mon, 07/06/2021 - 13:56
It is with great sadness we note the passing of Twink (W.R.) Allen, Emeritus Fellow of Robinson College, and formerly the Jim Joel Professor of Equine Reproduction at the University of Cambridge. Twink was a Veterinary graduate from the University of Sydney, who came to Cambridge in 1966 for his PhD. A Post-doctoral Fellowship at The Animal Research Station, Huntingdon Road, Cambridge followed from 1970-1972, then Director, TBA Equine Fertility Unit, Mertoun Paddocks, Woodditton Road, Newmarket, Suffolk, from 1988-2007.
Twink was appointed Jim Joel Professor of Equine Reproduction at the University of Cambridge in 1996 (retired in December, 2007). He then became the Honorary Director of the Paul Mellon Laboratory of Equine Reproduction, Newmarket, from 2008-2015. His final position was as Director of The Equine Reproduction Laboratory, Sharjah Equine Hospital, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates since 2015.
Professor Graham Burton, former Chair of the Reproduction SRI, said "Twink was a specialist in equine reproduction, and for many years Director of The Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Equine Fertility Unit in Newmarket. His research covered many areas, from the endocrine and immunological properties of chorionic girdle cells to between-breed embryo transfers to investigate the effect of the uterine environment on developmental programming. Later in his career he worked on placentation in the elephant, camel and a number of exotic species. Twink was a great supporter of the CTR, presenting at many of the annual scientific meetings. His colourful presentations and contributions will be greatly missed."
Notice on Robinson College website
With thanks to Robinson College for allowing us to use their text and image