AGBU invites you to celebrate 50 years of genetic improvement with industry leaders, innovators, and the livestock breeding community as we reflect on the past and shape the future.
Join leading researchers and industry professionals to celebrate the impact of AGBU's contribution to animal breeding and envisage the future
Celebrating 50 years of Genetic Improvement.
Be part of a landmark celebration marking 50 years of excellence in genetic improvement. Bringing together leading Australian and international experts, researchers, industry innovators, alumni, students, and livestock breeding professionals, this special event will reflect on past achievements while exploring the opportunities and challenges that will shape the future of livestock breeding.
Insights, Innovation and Collaboration
The program will feature keynote presentations, expert panels, and the launch of Project Cygnet, highlighting the latest advances in genetic improvement and livestock breeding. Attendees will gain valuable insights from world-renowned speakers, discover emerging research and technologies, and engage in discussions that will help drive future innovation across the industry
Networking and Shaping the Future
Alongside a dynamic conference program, two dedicated networking events will provide opportunities to reconnect with colleagues, exchange ideas, and build new partnerships. Whether you are an industry leader, researcher, student, or practitioner, this event offers a unique chance to be part of the conversations shaping the next generation of genetic improvement.
Get event updates
Don't miss your chance to be part of this special event — email "I want to know more" to agbu@une.edu.au and be among the first to hear when tickets go on sale.
Program Overview
Monday 12 October
Welcome and AGBU50 birthday party
An informal evening to reconnect with past acquaintances and make new ones
Tuesday 13 October
Full-day symposium with speakers and expert panels
Closing dinner and launch of Project Cygnet
Wednesday 14 October
Half-day mentoring workshop for students and young scientists
Speakers
Meet some of our keynote speakers:
Alfred de Vries
Senior Program Officer for Animal Production, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Alfred leads the Foundation’s efforts in R&D for Animal Production (genetics, reproduction, farm management) aimed at increasing livestock and fish productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa and South-Asia.
Alfred was a visiting scientist at AGBU in 1992.
Alfred de Vries works at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as Senior Program Officer for Animal Production. He leads the Foundation’s efforts in R&D for Animal Production (genetics, reproduction, farm management) aimed at increasing livestock and fish productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
Alfred has extensive experience in animal breeding across many geographies from his time at international breeding companies (CRV, Topigs Norsvin and PIC). He had management positions in R&D, technical service and operations.
He obtained his MSc and PhD degrees in Animal Sciences from Wageningen University.
Alfred was a visiting scientist at AGBU in 1992.
Jennie Pryce
Research Director for Genomics and Cellular Sciences at Agriculture Victoria (DEECA) and a Professor at La Trobe University
She is an internationally recognised leader in livestock genomics, with expertise spanning quantitative genetics, genomic prediction, phenomics and the translation of genomic technologies into industry and government impact.
Professor Jennie Pryce is Research Director for Genomics and Cellular Sciences at Agriculture Victoria (DEECA) and a Professor at La Trobe University. She is an internationally recognised leader in livestock genomics, with expertise spanning quantitative genetics, genomic prediction, phenomics and the translation of genomic technologies into industry and government impact.
Jennie leads large, multidisciplinary research programs applying genomics, computational biology and advanced phenotyping to improve productivity, resilience and sustainability across livestock systems. Her research integrates next‑generation sequencing, large‑scale data and predictive modelling to deliver decision‑ready tools for breeding and management, particularly in the context of animal health, climate adaptation and emissions reduction. While her career has been strongly shaped by dairy genetics, her focus is increasingly on cross‑livestock genomic solutions with broad applicability across animal industries.
In her leadership role, Jennie oversees state‑of‑the‑art capability in genomics, phenomics, bioinformatics and scientific computing, and drives strategic partnerships with industry, government and international collaborators. She is widely recognised for bridging deep science with policy and industry delivery, and for building collaborative, future‑focused research ecosystems that accelerate the adoption of genomic innovation.
Abe Huisman
Director of Product Excellence at Hendrix Genetics Swine. Abe leads research and development for the swine division of Hendrix.
He completed his PhD in Genetics at Wageningen University & Research in 2002, one of the world's leading institutions in animal breeding science.
Abe was part of the AGBU team for three years, from 2003 to 2006.
Dr Abe Huisman trained as a geneticist and is currently Director of Product Excellence at Hendrix Genetics Swine, where he leads research and development for the swine division.
He completed his PhD in Genetics at Wageningen University & Research in 2002, one of the world's leading institutions in animal breeding science.
Over the course of his career, Abe has held roles at Wageningen University & Research, AGBU, and Hendrix Genetics — a trajectory that spans both academia and global industry. He has authored several publications, with expertise spanning animal breeding, quantitative genetics, genomics, and genetic analysis.
In his current role he provides leadership on breeding goals and trait selection, with a focus on animal welfare, productivity, and health. His research interests include genomic selection, inbreeding management, and innovative approaches such as CRISPR-based solutions to animal welfare challenges in swine production.
Abe spent three years working as a Research Scientist at AGBU from December 2003 to December 2006.