ATLANTA — The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) is currently seeking students to present their research at the 2024 AFIA Pet Food Conference (PFC), taking place on Jan. 30, 2024, in Atlanta in conjunction with the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE). Three graduate students will be invited as speakers to present their findings during the PFC and a number of undergraduate students will be selected to present posters.

AFIA’s Pet Food Committee will select three outstanding graduate or postdoctoral students to showcase their research in the areas of pet nutrition, pet food quality, the human-animal bond, pet food marketing and other fields relating to pet food. The AFIA will select speakers based on their research’s relevance to the pet food and treat industry and the quality of their written submission.

Past graduate presentations covered various topics including the impacts pulse-based ingredients have on canine cardiac health and the use of lactic acid to help control Salmonella.

The committee will also be selecting outstanding undergraduate students that are considering careers in the pet and pet food industries to present posters on their research during the conference.

Submissions for graduate and undergraduate presentation opportunities are due Nov. 6.

Selected students will present their research to about 300 conference attendees, including representatives from major pet food manufacturers. Students will also receive a travel stipend to attend the PFC.

Read the guidelines for graduate submissions and undergraduate submissions.

Read more news from associations and agencies in the pet food sector.