Overview
During the 2022–2026 period, the WPSA Argentina Branch continued to promote poultry science and professional development despite a challenging national economic context. Argentina has experienced prolonged economic instability, characterized by high inflation and increasing operational costs, which have affected both institutions and individual professionals. As a result, Branch membership declined from 55 to 45 members. Nevertheless, the Branch currently includes three PhD students, reflecting its ongoing commitment to supporting the next generation of poultry scientists.
Throughout this period, the Branch focused its activities on three strategic priorities: education and professional development, support for young scientists, and strengthening regional and international collaboration.
Education and Professional Development
Education remained one of the principal pillars of the Branch’s activities.
In December 2023, the Argentina Branch organized the Webinar “Poultry Production: Environment and Welfare in Broilers.” Broadcast live through YouTube, the event was specifically designed for students, veterinarians, researchers, technical supervisors and poultry industry professionals, enabling participation from across the country.
The Branch also served as an institutional sponsor of several scientific and technical events in Argentina, including:
- the Technical Conference Series organized by INTA Concepción del Uruguay;
- the Poultry Diseases and Necropsy Course organized by INTA Balcarce;
- the XIII, XIV and XV International Poultry Science Seminars organized by CAPIA (Argentine Chamber of Egg Producers);
- the technical meeting series “For and About Poultry Production”.
Through these collaborations, WPSA members benefited from registration discounts and scholarships whenever available, facilitating access to continuing education despite the country’s economic challenges.
Branch members also contributed actively to the national poultry sector by participating as invited speakers, moderators and members of scientific committees at major poultry meetings held in Argentina, thereby enhancing the visibility of WPSA within the national scientific and professional community.
Supporting Young Scientists
Supporting young researchers has remained a key priority of the Argentina Branch.
During the reporting period, two Argentine PhD students, Tamara López and Florencia Campostrini, were awarded WPSA Travel Grants to attend the XVI European Poultry Conference. These awards provided valuable opportunities to present their research, establish international collaborations and further their professional development.
The Branch considers investment in young scientists to be one of the most important contributions toward ensuring the future development of poultry science.
International and Regional Collaboration
Strengthening international cooperation has been another major objective of the Branch.
A significant milestone during the reporting period was the visit of Peter Van Horne, who travelled to Argentina through the WPSA Speakers Bureau Programme to participate in the XIII International Poultry Science Seminar. His participation enriched the scientific programme and reinforced the relationship between Argentine researchers, industry professionals and the international WPSA community.
The Argentina Branch has also initiated discussions aimed at promoting the creation of a Latin American WPSA Federation. Meetings have been held with representatives from several Latin American branches and poultry organizations to explore opportunities for greater regional cooperation. Although this initiative remains in its early stages, it is expected to strengthen scientific exchange, improve communication among branches, encourage collaborative research and increase the visibility of poultry science throughout Latin America.
Concluding Remarks
Despite the economic challenges experienced during the reporting period and the consequent reduction in membership, the Argentina Branch has remained active and committed to fulfilling the mission of WPSA.
Its activities have focused not only on organizing scientific events, but also on creating educational opportunities, supporting young scientists, fostering international collaboration and promoting stronger regional integration.
The Argentina Branch remains convinced that active collaboration, scientific excellence and regional integration are essential to strengthening poultry science both in Argentina and throughout Latin America.
The Branch expresses its sincere appreciation to the WPSA Board, the Speakers Bureau Programme and the international WPSA community for their continued support. It also reaffirms its commitment to strengthening cooperation with all WPSA branches and welcomes future collaborative initiatives that contribute to the advancement of poultry science worldwide.
Dr. Bernardo F. Iglesias
Secretary of the Argentinean Branch