Originally published in Yliopisto-magazine 8/2025.
In 2009 during his doctoral studies, Krawczel visited a dairy farm in upstate New York. The cowshed was clean, with dry sand bedding. It was quiet and spacious. The cows were calm, but curious.
“Then I thought that research can make a difference. Things can be done so much better,” reminisces Krawczel.
Krawczel has always been driven by the will to make the world a better place. Since 2020 he has worked as an associate professor at the University of Helsinki.
“In the United States I got used to being the only researcher at my department to focus on animal welfare. The Nordic countries are at the top in my field, which is why I applied for a position at the University of Helsinki.”
Previously Krawczel worked at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, among other places. His work focused on cows and horses, and in particular, the transport of production animals.
“I’m interested in the needs of animals, from nutrition and rest to pasturing and social behaviour – and what we could do to change practices in animal production.
Recently, knowledge about animal needs and cognition has increased enormously,” Krawczel points out, emphasising that this should be evident in the practices followed at farms.
“I’m constantly amazed myself. We must not forget that animals are a lot smarter and more sociable than we have previously believed.”
In recent years, Krawczel has studied dairy cows, and topics such as when cows prefer to be outside and how they like to graze and consume feed.
In December Krawczel will deliver his inaugural lecture at the University’s Main Building. He intends to address the big question in his field: How can we benefit from animals without abusing them?
“There is no shortage of topics to delve into. A major issue is the practice of weaning calves away from their mothers for the sake of milk production,” mentions Krawczel.
“I would like to investigate whether foster cows could be used in farms to care for calves. That would not require too much space and the needs of animals would be better met."
Professor of Animal Welfare Peter Krawczel will deliver his inaugural lecture on 3 December. The lecture is open to the public. Further information: helsinki.fi > Inaugural lectures of the new professors