Challenges, innovation and careers in the poultry sector
A seminar and Q&A session on the journey of translating innovative research.

On 11 July, we hosted Dr Rachel Hawken, Senior Director of Genetics at Cobb-Vantress, one of the leading companies in the poultry breeding sector and a strategic industry partner of the Roslin Institute.
Dr Hawken spoke about how the company is using innovative solutions to overcome challenges in the poultry breeding industry, and the value of engaging and partnering with academia. In her talk, she also gave some top tips for researchers looking to collaborate with companies like Cobb-Vantress.
Following the seminar, there was an opportunity for Roslin postdocs and early career researchers to ask questions about her career path, such as transitioning out of academia, challenges, opportunities, and careers in the poultry breeding sector.
Event series
The event was the first of a new series of events and initiatives over the coming year called ‘Ideas to Impact’ by Edinburgh Innovations and the Easter Bush Translational and Commercialisation Board.
The Q&A part of the event was organised in partnership with the Roslin Career Development Committee.
‘Ideas to Impact’ will focus on the holistic journey of translating innovative research. It will feature academic and industrial innovators at different stages of their career and translational journey, who are driven by innovation and impact of academic research.