It’s already more than a month since BISAS 2026 in York, which means that it is less than 11 months before BISAS 2027 in Dundee! 

Firstly, my sincere thanks to everyone involved in BISAS 2026, which was unequivocally and unanimously a great success.

Stepping into the role of President of BISAS is very daunting, particularly following behind Helen Warren and the high expectations that she has set for it. In the coming year I will be working primarily in four areas: membership strategy (in a broad sense), the register, European associations, and the BISAS 2027 conference. 

Membership strategy is critical for BISAS. No members equals no money. Fewer members equals less money or higher fees, or fewer, cheaper activities. We don’t need a survey to tell us that we don’t want that. Our membership strategy must be linked with a sound understanding of what is happening in the animal science community: in industry, in government policy, in academia, and in society more broadly. We know that the number of card-carrying “animal science” academics has declined in recent years – slowly and steadily, and that academic animal scientists are increasingly likely to identify as biotechnologists, molecular biologists, or as members of any one of a great number of narrower disciplines (potentially relevant to areas of greater grant funding and prestige). Increasingly competitive and complex operating environments, with reduced financial margins have reduced the ability of our partners in industry to support and for their field staff to participate in BISAS activities. Governmental commitments to the sector have been challenged by huge increases in the need for public spending in other areas, and societal de-prioritisation of animal agriculture. This year, we will work with BBSRC – UKRI on an animal science strategy, which will identify the major challenges and opportunities for BISAS, and should help us devise a coherent strategy for growth. In the meantime, I’d like all members to think about how they can help promote BISAS in their workplace – remember that every extra person who signs up strengthens the society and increases our potential.  

One of my most enjoyable jobs at BISAS 2026 was to chair a session with the (possibly) hyperbolic title “The Future of Animal Science”. We had a great panel, including industry and academic leaders, early, mid, and late career professionals. One of the clear messages from that session (and the excellent President’s session that addressed working with industry) was that we must work harder on the “application” aspect of our mission and try to win back the animal science professionals who spend their days working on farms and in industry. We heard this message, and with the help of members, we aim to ensure that BISAS 2027 will do exactly that.