IFRG Meeting 2026

Dear egg- and chicken lovers,

We are happy to announce that the WPSA - Working group 6 – IFRG (Incubation and Fertility Research Group) meeting will take place in Utrecht, the Netherlands at October 29–30, 2026. The meeting will be held in the beautiful and historic ‘Anatomie’ building, where many veterinary students had their practical anatomy lessons. We are currently busy with the preparations for this event, and registration will open soon.

We aim for a diverse program covering different topics related to both field and basic science on avian species physiology, fertility, and incubation. As in previous years, we want to encourage young scientists to join our meeting, share their research findings, and get inspired while connecting with others working in the field of physiology, fertility, and incubation.

Therefore, we will continue the IFRG NextGen funding that was introduced in 2024, through which young scientists can apply to have their registration fee and hotel costs covered. In addition, young scientists can participate in the Nick French Prize competition, awarded for the best research and presentation, kindly sponsored by Aviagen.

We look forward to welcoming you to Utrecht!

Organizing Committee IFRG meeting 2026

Dr. Roos Molenaar (Chair WG6-IFRG) – Wageningen University & Research, the Netherlands

Dr. Thijs Manders - Utrecht University, the Netherlands

Fiona Schoemaker- van Kaam MSc – Royal GD, the Netherlands

Lotte Hebbink MSc - Royal PasReform, the Netherlands

Miriam Meijerhof MSc -  Hendrix Genetics, the Netherlands