Strategic Plan Renewal and Staff Recognition at PRF

by Reza Barekatain

The last quarter of 2025 marked a major milestone for PRF operations with the review of our five-year operational and strategic plan. On 9 October 2025, more than 20 PRF industry members and academic staff attended the PRF strategic workshop to discuss the current plan and future directions for the PRF. The workshop was opened by the President of the PRF, Ms Lisa Jamieson, who highlighted the importance of rethinking our priorities and strategic direction. This was followed by remarks from the Deputy Dean of Science, Professor Christopher McErlean, and Professor Jennifer Pott, Head of the School of Life and Environmental Sciences, who shared their perspectives on the University’s strategic priorities, particularly Sydney 2032 as the overarching framework guiding the University and its research centres, including the PRF.

The morning session focused on career pathways, industry workforce needs, education and extension activities, and future roadmaps, followed by group discussions aimed at identifying new priorities for poultry research and infrastructure within the PRF. I found the workshop extremely valuable and a great opportunity to reconnect with our members and gather their insights and advice on where the PRF should ideally head over the next five years. I would like to extend a sincere thank you to all members and staff who participated, and to Professor Mingan Choct for acting as facilitator for the workshop. Following the workshop, I am pleased to report that our revised and comprehensive five-year strategic plan was prepared and submitted to the University of Sydney and approved on 4 December 2025.

In December, the PRF team also received fantastic news regarding the well-deserved promotion of two of our most respected academic staff, Professor Sonia Liu and Associate Professor Wendy Muir. These promotions are a true reflection of Sonia’s and Wendy’s dedication and commitment to excellence in poultry research and education. Congratulations, Sonia and Wendy. We were also delighted to hear of another well-earned recognition, with Associate Professor Peter Selle being named among The Australian 2026 Research Magazine’s leading researchers. The magazine identifies top research performers and institutions across 250 fields in Australia. More information on this outstanding achievement can be found here. Congratulations, Peter. Last but not least, I extend my best wishes for a successful and fruitful 2026. Like many of you, I look forward to another exciting APSS next month and to meeting many of our colleagues and friends in Sydney.