The British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) will host its 2025 conference in Galway in the coming weeks where the theme will be ‘Supporting Livestock’s Role in a Global Society’.
The event, which will take place in Salthill from April 8-10, has attracted a line-up of internationally renowned keynote speakers.
It was officially launched this week by Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), with responsibility for food promotion, new markets, research and development, Noel Grealish.
It’s only the second time in BSAS’ 80-year history that the conference will be held in the Republic of Ireland.
Particular sessions will discuss all aspects of animal science, debating issues like the role of livestock on a global platform and how that interacts with society, demand and supply for livestock-derived food products, nutritional value and dietary contribution of meat and dairy products in the diet, and how to establish and maintain consumer trust and confidence.
Submitted papers for the conference look at a range of subjects including:
- Equine;
- Climate change;
- Circular bioeconomy;
- Animal health;
- Behaviour and welfare;
- Grazing and pasture;
- Nutrition and feed evaluation;
- Microbiology, parasitology, and genetics.
There will be further sessions with participants from Brazil and Australia speaking about their challenges, innovations, and transferable knowledge.
As part of the event, an Early Career Symposium will kick off proceedings at University of Galway on Monday, April 7.
The symposium is aimed at being an interesting and informative day where students can learn about a range of writing skills, from publishing to grant writing.
A session covering resilience and dealing with stress and highlighting the support offered by universities and guidance counsellors, is expected to encourage open and frank discussion.
The final session of the careers day will hear from speakers in academia, industry, and public sectors about the career paths open to animal scientists and technologists.
BSAS conference
Among the keynote speakers at the BSAS conference which gets underway at Galway Bay Hotel on Tuesday, April 8 are:
- Matthew Elmes – lead nutrition scientist at Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB);
- David Kenny – BSAS president and head of Animal & Bioscience Dept., Teagasc;
- Sarah Klopatek – chief livestock scientist, JBS;
- Michael Lee – deputy vice-chancellor, Harper Adams University;
- Craig Lewis – genetics services manager, PIC;
- Anna Macready – associate professor in consumer behaviour and marketing, University of Reading.
The conference will also include speakers on species and specialisms, some of whom include:
- Tommy Boland – professor at School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin (UCD);
- Mariecia Fraser – professor in upland agroecosystems, Aberystwyth University;
- Jonathan Herron – research officer, Teagasc;
- Maik Kindermann – inventor and vice-president of innovation Bovaer, dsm-firmenich;
- Nigel Miller – farmer, Livestock Health Scotland;
- Clodagh Ryan – geneticist, ICBF;
- Michael Watkins – University of South Australia.
Speaking at the official launch, Minister Noel Grealish said: “The BSAS plays a pivotal role in advancing animal science in Ireland and the UK.
“Given the importance of livestock to our agricultural sector, this is a significant area of research and one that my department supports extensively through competitive, public-good research funding.
“I commend the organisers for the theme they have chosen for the conference – ‘Supporting Livestock’s Role in a Global Society’ – this rightly puts a focus on the many positive benefits that livestock farming can contribute to our economy, society, rural areas and our food system,” Minister Grealish added.
Dr. Sinéad Waters, from University of Galway and co-chair of the BSAS 2025 local organising committee, highlighted the significance of the conference returning to Ireland, stating: “BSAS 2025 will be an opportunity for leading scientists and industry experts to come together and shape the future of livestock research.
“Galway, as a centre for innovation and excellence in agriculture, is the perfect location to host these discussions.”
