A Vision of Research & Innovation in Poultry Welfare: International Poultry Welfare Alliance's Icebreaker Events

The Research & Innovation Committee, part of the International Poultry Welfare Alliance (IPWA), is organizing a series of innovative Icebreaker events to pioneer the future of poultry welfare. These events provide a unique platform for industry professionals, researchers, and students to collectively envision and strategize the future of poultry welfare in 2050.

The Icebreaker events aim to discuss the future and stimulate partnerships between academia and industry, catalyzing innovation and connecting research with funding opportunities, propelling poultry welfare forward. The Research and Innovation committee with IPWA was officially launched at IPPE in 2024 during the first Icebreaker event and was a resounding success. This success has led to the replication of the event in various forms at AAAP, the PSA conference, and the planned Eurotier in November of 2024, IPPE in 2025, and VivAsia in 2025, where IPWA will hold their annual meeting. Those interested in attending these events can register for future updates here.

“This expansion is a testament to the importance of envisioning and strategizing the future of poultry welfare”, says chair Anne-Marie Neeteson of Aviagen Group.

The Icebreakers address the critical question of 'What Does Poultry Look Like in 2050, and How Do We Get There?', inviting participants to brainstorm around a significant theme to predict future trends and necessary advancements in poultry welfare. The discussions are centered around identification of future needs and wants while anticipating research trajectories and identifying essential steps required to achieve envisioned improvements in welfare standards by 2050, inspiring a collective effort towards a better future for poultry welfare.

The Research & Innovation Committee Icebreakers have successfully brought together promising students, expert researchers, and industry professionals, fostering a rich exchange of perspectives. These events aim to bridge the gap between research and practical implementation by collectively discussing required developments and future steps. The goal is to ensure that new advancements in poultry welfare are robust, reliable, and applicable in real-world settings, thereby enhancing the welfare of poultry globally.

By organizing these Icebreakers, the Research & Innovation Committee of IPWA is building a solid foundation for the future of poultry welfare, ensuring that the global poultry community evolves in a way that prioritizes the well-being of animals while integrating innovative research and practical solutions. Future webinars and reports on the findings will address the various topics presented in the meetings, such as biosecurity, implementing new technologies, positive welfare developments, and strategic research plans.