The BSAS Annual Conferences attract delegates from across the globe due to the Society’s reputation for offering a programme of highly acclaimed speakers, and engaging workshops, and this year’s delegates will not be disappointed, as we announce the addition of the Early Career – Developing Talent Session - RSPCA ‘Animal Perspectives’ workshop to the BSAS 2021 virtual conference schedule.

This interactive workshop has been designed to challenge participants to reflect on their own perceptions and uses of animals, including animal sentience and welfare needs, to help them better identify animal welfare and ethical issues within their research careers and daily lives. This session will be of interest to both students and life scientists, including those already interested in the topic, those completely new to research, and those who already have experience of working with animals, their tissues, or data derived from them.

Attending this virtual workshop will provide attendees with the unique opportunity to reflect on the complexities and inconsistencies of our interactions with non-human animals.  It encompasses a variety of contexts, including research, farming, companion animals and wildlife.  Delegates will then be encouraged to discuss and debate how animals are valued, and treated, in different contexts, and reflect on their own opinions and choices.

Topics that will be addressed include:

• How do we perceive animals - do we value some more than others, and why?
• How do animals experience their interactions with humans?
• What does science tell us about animal sentience, cognition, and welfare needs?
• Case studies - participants will be asked to consider aspects of one more real-life case studies describing different uses of animals.

Split into two parts, in the first half, participants will be asked to consider and discuss the life of four pigs born into different scenarios: the wild, a laboratory, as a companion and as a farmed animal. They will then explore how animals are treated and perceived; and how the animals might experience their lives (and what quality of life they have); what kinds of ethical issues arise in each scenario; and what legislation is in place to regulate each use.  The second half of the session involves breaking out into small groups to consider and discuss real-life case studies. The groups will then be asked to consider a series of questions such as ‘What harm would all the animals involved undergo?’ and ‘What do you think this activity says about the human-animal relationship?

Finally, to wrap up, each participant will be asked to (anonymously) set out their key take-home message, or action point, which will be collected and shared.

For further information on the BSAS 2021 Virtual Conference and to book tickets, click here

An abstract does a lot more than just tell reviewers and conference organisers about the paper you are proposing, it also shines a light on who you are, by highlighting your enthusiasm for your chosen topic, the professionalism with which the proposal has been drafted and the respect you show the event you are applying for.  The virtual nature of the BSAS 2021 conference will unite delegates with some of the most respected global figures in the animal science field, and gives those wishing to submit an abstract, an unprecedented opportunity for additional flexibility, creativity and innovation in a digital space, so you can really make your mark. 

Remember your conference abstract is a sales tool: you are selling your research, first to the BSAS panel of reviewers, and then to the conference delegates, so take your time to ensure that your abstract is as fascinating and enticing as possible, and don’t forget there is a prize of £250 worth of CABI vouchers for the strongest poster. Those that are accepted, will be given the choice to submit a 3-minute digital presentation of their poster at the conference, or in traditional poster format to be displayed in our virtual gallery.

You can find a comprehensive submission guidance booklet and video on our Conference website, but if you find you still need further support, don’t hesitate to contact our dedicated abstracts team on abstracts@bsas.org.uk. The deadline for submissions is midnight 10th January 2021, and you can edit your submission at any time up until this date.  All submissions will then be automatically submitted at the deadline and any incomplete submissions will be rejected.

COMPETITION TIME

Are you an Undergraduste, Postgradute or Early Career? Want to attend the BSAS Conference 2021?

Then enter the KTN & BSAS ticket competition now!!

BSAS are delighted to announce the launch of an exciting new competition run in collaboration with KTN during the month of December. 

To enter:

• Send a 30-60 second video to bsas@bsas.org.uk explaining why attending the BSAS conference is the perfect way to help you adapt to the new normal
• You must be an undergraduate, postgraduate or in your early career
• Entries close at midnight 4 January 2021

The competition is open to anyone in their early career. All you need to do to enter is send in a short 30-60 second video to bsas@bsas.org, explaining why attending the BSAS conference, is the perfect way to help students and those in their early careers adapt to the new normal.  Entries will close at midnight on the 4th January, with KTN and BSAS collaboratively choosing 4 winners who will each be gifted with a BSAS 2021 full conference ticket, and have their name announced on social media. This is an incredible prize, as the winners will gain full access to four days of conference, including our keynote and highly anticipated ‘Developing Talent’ sessions.   All entries will also be aired on our Instagram stories, Facebook stories and the winners will feature on the BSAS website.

Good Luck!