The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is introducing its inaugural Graduate Student Poster Presentation Contest at the 2026 Annual Meeting, scheduled for August 26-28 in San Diego, California. The contest aims to spotlight emerging research in animal food safety, nutrition, and regulation while supporting future leaders in the field.
Graduate students across the U.S. are invited to submit original research abstracts, posters, or short essays focused on animal food, nutrition, or safety. Submissions must offer practical insights for regulators or the animal food industry. Each student may submit one poster, with entries judged by AAFCO members and Kansas State University Olathe faculty based on relevance, quality, and practical value.
“The addition of the poster presentation creates a space for graduate students to share new perspectives on science-based solutions that support regulators and the industry,” said Austin Therrell, AAFCO executive director.
The top 10 students will present their posters at the meeting, receiving complimentary registration and up to $1,000 in travel assistance. The top three winners will earn scholarships between $500 and $1,000 and present their research in a dedicated session. Submission deadline is May 29, 2026.
