The head of research at Scotland’s Rural College has been appointed president of the British Society of Animal Science (BSAS).
Prof. Eileen Wall took the reins following the BSAS annual conference held this year in Edinburgh.
The British Society of Animal Science works to improve the welfare and productivity of farm animals to help produce quality, safe and environmentally-sustainable food.
Track record
Prof. Wall has been a member of BSAS since 1999.
She graduated with a Master’s degree in Animal Breeding from University College Dublin in 1998. And in 2001 completed a PhD in Animal Genetics at the University of Edinburgh.
She now heads up the research department at SRUC. Wall’s research projects include:
- Centre of Expertise on Climate Change (Scottish Govt);
- AnimalChange (EU FP7);
- GreenhouseMilk (Marie Curie ITN);
- RobustMilk (EU FP7);
- Improvements to the National GHG Inventory (Defra and devolved administrations);
- Adaptations options for Scottish land use (Scottish Govt); and
- Improving Health Characteristics of Dairy Products (Scottish Govt).
‘The Challenge of Change’
Her new role at BSAS will focus on providing leadership and direction to the board of trustees, as well as overseeing the organisation’s 2020 conference, which will be held in Nottingham.
Entitled ‘The Challenge of Change’, the conference will look at the interdisciplinary challenges of food and nutrition production and security and will once again be held in collaboration with the World Poultry Science Association (WPSA).
Prof. Wall said: “I am thrilled to be taking over as president and excited to begin driving forward the ambitions of the society.
“The 2019 conference was such a success and I’m already looking forward to next year’s event.”
Emily Burton, president of the WPSA UK branch, added: “We are delighted to be returning to the 2020 Conference for another series of insightful discussions to help advance the poultry sector.
“Our cohesive, collaborative approach with the BSAS is helping us to apply the science of poultry care in a practical and innovative manner.”
The 2020 BSAS Conference will take place at the De Vere East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham, from March 30 to April 1.
