By Dr Sion Richards (Balchem) and Dr Kate Hore (NAF)

Reflecting on the British Society of Animal Science (BISAS) Annual Meeting in York, we have been considering the important role the conference plays in connecting researchers, industry professionals and those working directly with animals. The meeting remains one of the leading animal science events in the UK, bringing together a wide range of expertise and showcasing the latest developments in research and innovation.

However, it also prompted a broader question: does BISAS fully meet the needs of the communities it aims to serve, and how might it evolve to remain relevant in an increasingly specialised and rapidly changing world?

Connecting Science and Practice

One of the greatest strengths of BISAS has always been its ability to bring research and practice closer together. Academic conferences provide a platform for sharing new knowledge, challenging existing thinking and exploring emerging opportunities. Yet for animal science to truly deliver impact, that knowledge must ultimately be translated into practical application.

The BISAS Constitution describes the Society's purpose as promoting the study and practical application of animal science. That emphasis on practical application is important. Scientific research should ultimately improve outcomes for farmers, veterinarians, nutritionists, animal managers and others working with animals on a daily basis.

Many examples of this translation from science to practice were evident throughout the conference. Research addressing productivity, sustainability, animal welfare, nutrition, environmental impact and health demonstrated clear pathways towards real-world implementation. However, there remains an opportunity to strengthen the connection between researchers and end-users so that scientific discoveries move more rapidly from conference presentations into practical adoption.

Industry Engagement Matters

One observation from this year's meeting was the relatively limited representation from parts of industry, particularly the feed sector and commercial animal nutrition community.

This is not unique to BISAS. Across many scientific conferences, commercial pressures, travel budgets and competing priorities can make attendance challenging for industry professionals. Nevertheless, industry participation remains essential.

Industry professionals provide practical perspectives that help shape research questions, identify implementation challenges and highlight emerging issues requiring scientific investigation. Equally, researchers benefit from greater exposure to the realities of commercial systems and the hurdles involved in translating scientific findings into practice.

A strong flow of ideas between academia and industry benefits everyone. Researchers gain insight into real-world challenges, while industry gains access to the latest scientific developments. Most importantly, the ultimate beneficiaries are those working directly with animals, who can apply these advances to improve management, welfare, productivity and sustainability.

Is BISAS Meeting Its Broader Mission?

The discussion around industry engagement raises a wider question about the future role of BISAS itself.

The Society exists to support the study and practical application of animal science across companion, zoo, equine, livestock and wild animals. While livestock science understandably remains a major focus of the annual meeting, it is worth considering whether the conference programme fully reflects the breadth of that remit.

From our respective professional backgrounds, we recognise that different sectors may experience the conference in different ways. The development of dedicated equine events and sessions has been a welcome step forward. However, it also raises the question of whether companion animal specialists, zoo nutritionists, wildlife scientists and others currently view the BISAS Annual Meeting as a must-attend event within their professional calendars.

This is not intended as criticism. No conference can be everything to everyone, particularly when highly specialised meetings already exist. The challenge for BISAS is therefore not necessarily to compete with specialist conferences, but rather to determine what unique value it can offer.

A Unique Opportunity to Bring Disciplines Together

Perhaps BISAS's greatest opportunity lies precisely in what makes it different.

Many of the challenges facing animal industries today extend well beyond a single species, sector or discipline. Sustainability, animal welfare, environmental impact, social licence to operate, science communication and public trust are relevant whether the discussion concerns dairy cattle, horses, companion animals, wildlife or zoo species.

These challenges increasingly require collaboration across traditional boundaries.

This is where BISAS may be uniquely positioned to lead. By bringing together researchers, industry professionals and animal managers from diverse backgrounds, the Society can create conversations that are unlikely to occur within more specialised conferences.

A stronger focus on cross-sector themes, perhaps through dedicated workshops, panel discussions or One Health-focused sessions, could create new opportunities for collaboration and innovation. Such discussions would allow participants to learn from challenges and solutions being explored across different animal sectors while maintaining the strong scientific foundation for which BISAS is known.

Rather than asking whether BISAS should compete with specialist meetings, perhaps we should ask whether BISAS can provide something those meetings cannot: a forum where disciplines intersect, perspectives broaden and innovative ideas emerge from unexpected connections.

Looking Forward

The BISAS Annual Meeting remains an important event for UK animal science. It continues to showcase high-quality research, foster collaboration and provide opportunities for discussion between researchers and practitioners.

However, like all successful organisations, BISAS must continually consider how it can evolve to meet changing needs.

Strengthening links between academia and industry, ensuring that science is translated into practical benefits, and exploring opportunities to unite diverse areas of animal science may all contribute to the Society's future success.

Perhaps the question is not whether BISAS should become another specialist conference. Instead, it may be whether BISAS can become the place where disciplines connect, where ideas cross-pollinate and where science is transformed into practical solutions for those working with animals.

If BISAS can achieve that, its role within the modern animal science community will be more important than ever.