Leaders from across government, research, academia and industry gathered at Leinster House this week for the official launch of the British and Irish Society of Animal Science (BISAS), marking a significant new chapter in collaboration between the UK and Ireland in animal and agricultural science.

Hosted by Senator Victor Boyhan, with the support of Verona Murphy, Ceann Comhairle and attended by Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Noel Grealish and British Ambassador to Ireland Kara Owens, the event formally recognised Ireland’s longstanding and influential contribution to the Society and celebrated the transition from the British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) to BISAS. 

The launch signalled an ambitious new phase for animal science, positioning Britain and Ireland as a leading and influential voice in Europe on issues including climate action, sustainable food systems, rural resilience, animal health and innovation in agriculture. The strengthened partnership aims to ensure that science and evidence remain central to industry innovation as well as future policy development and overall sustainable livestock production. 

Speakers throughout the event highlighted the deep and longstanding relationship between the UK and Ireland, particularly in livestock research, knowledge exchange and agricultural innovation. There was strong recognition that continued collaboration between researchers, policymakers and industry will be essential in addressing the major challenges facing the agri-food sector in the years ahead.

The event also celebrated Ireland’s historic role within the Society, acknowledging the significant contribution Irish researchers, students and industry leaders have made over many decades through leadership positions, governance and the hosting of major scientific conferences across the island of Ireland. 

Representatives from organisations including AFBI, Teagasc, Alltech, DAERA and DAFM spoke about the importance of building on decades of cooperation to strengthen scientific capability, support evidence-led policymaking and accelerate innovation throughout the livestock and agri-food sectors.

BISAS’s past and current presidents described the launch as an important milestone that reflects both the strength of existing relationships and a clear ambition for the future. The new Society identity reinforces a shared British and Irish commitment to advancing world-class animal science, supporting sustainable agriculture and amplifying the international influence of research and innovation from both islands.

Dr Helen Warren, Past President of BISAS and Director at Alltech,comments:

“This well-attended event was a perfect demonstration of the commitment from the Irish government to animal science. The Irish animal science community have helped shape the Society since its inception and the event cemented this long over-due recognition.”

Prof Elizabeth Magowan, BISAS Former President and Director of Sustainable Agri-Food Sciences Division at AFBI comments: 

“The launch of BISAS represents a new exciting dawn in the 82 yr history of the society. It rightly acknowledges and celebrates the very significant impact our Irish colleagues have brought to the society over the years.  It represents a foundational change which will ensure belonging and ownership for our Irish colleagues and in doing so further maximise the impact of science for animal- based sectors across the UK and Ireland”.

Prof David Kenny BISAS Former President and Head of Animal and Bioscience Research Department at Teagasc comments:

“There has been a strong relationship between the two islands on livestock research and knowledge dissemination for decades and continued collaboration and strengthening of that relationship will be key to effectively addressing the major issues that we all face within the agri-food sector”.

The programme included contributions from Minister Noel Grealish, Helen Warren, Ian Marshall, Alistair Carson, Ray Kelly and Elizabeth Magowan, followed by a networking reception bringing together senior stakeholders from policy, research, education and industry. 

As BISAS begins this new chapter, the Society will continue to provide a collaborative platform connecting scientists, policymakers, educators and industry leaders, helping to deliver practical, science-led solutions for the future of livestock production and sustainable food systems across the UK, Ireland and beyond.