2021 Call for Symposia Topics

• Utilize 2-4 speakers with time allotted for discussion. No more than (1) speaker from the same company/institution.
• Emphasize broad applicability.
• Cover timely topics important to industry, academia, and government.
• Emphasize cutting edge technologies, methods, impacts, and discuss the broader application in addition to scientific results.      
• Represent the society’s diversity.
• Sponsorship/funding may be granted – up to a maximum of $3,000 – for each approved symposium. However, organizers are encouraged to seek outside sponsorship to cover speaker expenses. (See guidelines in the Policy for Symposia document for complete details on symposium funding.)
• All symposia will be published in PS or JAPR – papers due prior to PSA meeting/talk.

 

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Targeted Topics

Bridging the Knowledge Gap: Academia/Industry/Government
(Similar to the 2020 symposium)

Poultry production is a nexus AMONG academia, industry, regulatory, and consumer sectors that require an open dialog. Few opportunities exist for these sectors to facilitate conversations educating each other about their missions while identifying opportunities for synergistic advancement of the poultry sector. Proposals are encouraged that strive to address the disconnect that exists within aspects of the poultry sectors.

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Use of Think Tanks in Solving Problems in Poultry Science
(Moderated by an expert)

A think tank is an interdisciplinary group of motivated people intent on solving a problem. However, think tanks are not just made up of subject matter experts, but require a leader that is trained to structure meetings that promote an environment of dialogue that leads to change. The think tank symposium will be divided into a training section and a practical think tank section that will be led by a paid consultant. The goals of this symposium are three-fold. First, train PSA members on how to establish think tanks. Second, promote collaboration among PSA members. Lastly, initiate a think tank group that is focused on solving a problem in poultry science or a board initiative. Because this symposium will be establishing an active think tank, the symposium will be limited to approximately 50 individuals who have signed up for the training.

The Program Committee and Board of Directors have established the theme of the 2021 Think Tank Symposium to be “Poultry Welfare”.

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Awards Winners Overview and Outlook

Award winners are recognized yearly during the meeting and the banquet for their accomplishments. However, their work is not often used as a spotlight to allow dialog for a broader impact. The Award Winner symposia is a place for current year winners (Distinguished Poultry Industry Career Award, NCC Broiler Research Award, NTF Research Award, Poultry Welfare Award, Extension Award OR the Early Achievement Award winners) to spotlight their accomplishments providing them a platform to discuss the broader impacts of their program and future research areas. This platform can open discussion to industry as well as academics and spur collaboration and possibly even garner support for future projects. It allows the winners to discuss their passion but provide an overview and outlook on current issues facing the industry. 

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Symposium Topic of Choice

As in previous years, symposium proposals can be submitted on a variety of topics of interest to members and meeting attendees.

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Hot Topics Symposium Description
(Not to be Submitted Until March 2021)

Everybody is talking about it, except us! Hot topics, while at the forefront of our minds, are oftentimes eliminated from formal discussion at PSA annual meetings because of the timing of the symposia proposal and approval process. The Hot Topics Symposium is reserved for new and emerging topics affecting poultry research and the poultry industry. (A Call of Hot Topics Symposia will be sent in March.)

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Evaluation of Symposium Proposals

Symposium proposals will be evaluated by the Program Committee and PSA Board of Directors on the following criteria:

1. Relevance to topics above.
2. Synopsis – clear ideas of proposed session including subject, scientific issues to address, broad implications to science and the industry.
3. Individual speaker scientific knowledge.
4. Combination of speakers – ability to provide diversity to subject matter, cohesiveness, integrated approach, balanced perspective.
5. Timeliness of topic and implications to global poultry science topic area.
6. How is this symposium unique to poultry science?
7. Are there international speakers to provide a global perspective?
8. Confirmation that proposed speakers have been contacted and agreed to present.
9. All symposia are to be limited to 90-120 minutes in length.

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Submission Process

1. All symposia chairs should review the 2021 PSA Policy on Symposia and forward the reimbursement policy to their eligible speakers.