AFBI shine at Europe's largest animal science conference

The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) not only had a key role in organising Europe’s largest animal science conference, 46 AFBI researchers also featured heavily throughout the programme of the European Federation of Animal Science (EAAP2016) conference, which recently took place in Belfast.

The conference brought over 1,500 animal production specialists from all over the world to Northern Ireland to present state of the art technologies, key advances in animal science as well as scientific priorities for the future.  Key issues such as funding opportunities for science in the wake of Brexit, sucession planning and optimizing knowledge transfer were also debated during the five day conference.

Dr Sinclair Mayne (AFBI), who was also Chair of the conference’s Organising Committee welcomed delegates during the plenary session. He gave a short presentation to outline the important relationship that innovative research has with the agri-food industry in the production of safe, high quality food.

Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister, Michelle McIlveen MLA then highlighted the leading research coming from AFBI and the local universities, which, through advisory organisations like the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), translates research from the lab to the farm.

EU Agriculture Commissioner, Phil Hogan followed with an address focusing on Innovation as a driver to sustain a competitive and sustainable industry. He stressed that research must prioritise farmers needs and help empower them to use that knowledge to become more efficient.

Dr Elizabeth Magowan of AFBI then gave an overview of agriculture in the UK and NI and its importance in a European context.

Dr Sinclair Mayne said after the plenary session “AFBI was privileged to be able to play such an important part in bringing these experts to Northern Ireland. Our influence in livestock research at a European level can be seen in the number and variety of papers presented by our researchers at this conference”

AFBI was one of the major sponsors of the event and was integral in its organisation. With 53 invited papers, talks and posters across the five day conference delivered by researchers from PhD students through to project leaders, AFBI has left its mark as a leading, globally recognized, research organization. 

Notes to editors: 

AFBI carries out high quality technology research and development, statutory, analytical, and diagnostic testing functions for DAERA and other Government departments, public bodies and commercial companies.

AFBI's Vision is “Scientific excellence in Northern Ireland … serving the world”.

All media enquiries to AFBI Press Office

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