The British and Irish Society of Animal Science (BISAS) was officially launched at Leinster house this week.

The launch celebrated the transition from the British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) to BISAS, formally recognising Ireland’s longstanding and influential contribution to the Society.

It marks a significant new chapter of collaboration between the UK and Ireland in animal and agricultural science.

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The launch was 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 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.

Collaboration

The goal of the launch is to position 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.

During the event the longstanding relationship between the UK and Ireland, particularly in livestock research, knowledge exchange and agricultural innovation was highlighted.

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.

“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," Dr Helen Warren past resident of BISAS and director at Alltech commented.