AAFCO to Host Graduate Student Poster Presentation Contest at 2026 Annual Meeting

Call for Abstracts in Animal Food Research Now Open

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) will host its first-ever Graduate Student Poster Presentation Contest in conjunction with  its  2026 Annual Meeting, taking place August 26-28 in San Diego, California. The session is designed to spotlight emerging research and support the next generation of leaders in animal food safety, nutrition, and regulation. The submission deadline is May 29, 2026.

Graduate students nationwide are invited to submit their original research abstracts, posters, or short essays for consideration. Eligible projects must focus on animal food, nutrition, or safety, offering actionable insights for regulatory authorities or the food industry. Each student may submit one poster presentation. Entries will be reviewed by AAFCO members and Kansas State University Olathe faculty, who will judge based on research relevance, quality, and practical value for regulators and industry leaders.

“AAFCO is committed to strengthening the future of animal food safety by investing in the next generation of researchers and regulatory leaders,” said Austin Therrell, executive director of AAFCO. “The addition of the poster presentation at the Annual Meeting creates a space for graduate students to share new perspectives on science-based solutions that can directly support regulators and the industry in protecting both animal and human health.”

The top 10 selected students will be invited to showcase their posters at the 2026 Annual Meeting, with complimentary registration and (up to $1000) in travel assistance. The top three winners will be awarded scholarship prizes, ranging from $500 to $1,000, and the opportunity to present their research live in a dedicated 30-minute session at the conference. Additional recognition will be featured on the AAFCO website and related communications. Details on the contest rules and guidelines can be found at aafco.org. 

Sponsorship opportunities are available for industry partners. As a student poster session sponsor, partners will gain exposure to attract talent and earn the recognition of their peers for their commitment to and leadership in the animal food industries. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to aafco@aafco.org.

About AAFCO

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has been guiding state, federal and international feed regulators with ingredient definitions, label standards and laboratory standards for more than 115 years, while supporting the health and safety of people and animals. Its members are charged by their state or federal laws to regulate the manufacture, sale and distribution of animal feeds and feed ingredients. Learn more at www.aafco.org.

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