PSA Wraps Up Successful 2025 Annual Meeting in Raleigh, NC

 

Champaign, IL - The Poultry Science Association (PSA) concluded its 2025 Annual Meeting & Scientific Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina, marking another milestone in fulfilling the Association’s mission of aiding in the discovery, dissemination, and application of the poultry sciences. More than 1,200 attendees, including researchers, educators, students, and industry professionals, gathered for four days of cutting-edge science, professional development, and meaningful networking.

A robust scientific program organized under the leadership of Program Chair Laura Ellestad of the University of Georgia featured nearly 600 accepted abstracts presented as 398 oral talks and 128 posters, along with 70 in-depth presentations across 12 symposia. Key topics spanned avian influenza, immunity, genetics, reproduction, nutrition, gut health, processing innovations, and smart farming technologies. Each oral section began with invited speakers providing essential context and big-picture insights.

In a nod to innovation, PSA introduced an electronic poster session for the first time, allowing attendees to engage with research in new and interactive ways. The annual Student abstract competition was a highlight of the week; symposia and workshops distributed throughout the meeting kept the programming dynamic and comprehensive.

In addition to the scientific sessions, PSA provided a full slate of social and networking events. Attendees reconnected during Monday’s Welcome Reception and enjoyed the Exhibitor and Poster Viewing Reception and Student Hatchery Mixer on Tuesday. A standout event was Wednesday’s PSA BBQ, held at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, where participants enjoyed comfort food alongside hands-on museum exhibits. The 2025 meeting concluded with the inaugural Presidential Symposium, chaired by retiring President Martin Zuidhof of the University of Alberta. This session focused on the power and promise of precision nutrition technology and related innovations in poultry production and processing.

Atthe PSA Awards Celebration, the Association honored individuals making significant contributions to the poultry sciences.This year, PSA recognized two new Fellows, the highest honor awarded by the Association. Kenneth Koelkebeck (University of Illinois) was honored for his impact in poultry production and environmental management, while Randy Mitchell (Perdue Farms Inc.) was recognized for his leadership in poultry nutrition and animal welfare.

The meeting also featured the presentation of PSA’s prestigious professional awards, spotlighting excellence in research, teaching, extension, and industry service. Highlights included Lilong Chai (University of Georgia), recipient of the American Egg Board Research Award; Oluyinka Olukosi (University of Georgia), honored with the AFIA Poultry Nutrition Research Award; and Steven Ricke (University of Wisconsin), who received the Arm & Hammer Food Safety Award. The Association also celebrated rising talent, with early achievement awards going to Indu Upadhyaya (University of Connecticut), Ariel Bergeron (Adisseo USA), and Andi Asnayanti (University of Arkansas).

As PSA reflects on another successful meeting, the organization expresses its deep appreciation to all presenters, attendees, volunteers, sponsors, and partners. The 2025 Annual Meeting reinforced the vibrancy and resilience of the poultry science community and set a high bar for future conferences.

Planning is already underway for PSA’s next Annual Meeting in Toronto, Canada and the Association looks forward to continuing its legacy of scientific excellence and collaboration in 2026.