PhD student's pride at helping continue University's poultry research tradition

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A PhD student who has presented his work around the globe has spoken of his pride in continuing more than a century of poultry research at Harper Adams University.

Stephen Evans, from Fintona, Co. Tyrone, was already an award-winning graduate with a career in industry beckoning when he chose to take up his PhD and join the ranks of poultry researchers from Harper Adams – inspired by the University’s history of poultry research.

The National Institute of Poultry Husbandry was founded at the University – and opened its doors exactly a century ago this November.

Stephen said: “Coming back to do my PhD here felt like a natural next step.

“Harper was originally founded on poultry production and is home to the National Institute of Poultry Husbandry, so the depth of expertise and resources available made it an ideal place to carry out my research into broiler chicken nutrition. 

“The PhD has been a great experience. The last three years have enabled me to build on my research skills alongside increasing my ability to confer scientific results in different manners, both academically and within industry.

“Doing a PhD has opened doors and opportunities to see and partake in various discussions and development opportunities. “

The work Stephen has been carried out has seen him carry out four experimental studies, rearing and feeding rye cereal to broiler chickens in the National Institute of Poultry Husbandry (NIPH) facilities on the Harper Adams Future Farm.

So far, it has also inspired four further final-year research projects – and a second PhD study.

Stephen has talked about his discoveries so far at a wide range of industry and academic events, including the Northern Ireland Poultry Conference, the Great Yorkshire Show, New Scientist Live and the World Poultry Science Association in Manchester.

Research linked to the study has also been presented internationally at events in both Bulgaria and Canada this summer.

Stephen added: “Presenting our poultry research is important not only for academic reasons but also for our reputation within industry.

“By sharing the findings of our research in these different settings, we can influence decisions and approaches from nutritionists, feed millers and producers.”

The first NIPH facility at Harper Adams University was opened on November 3, 1926, and its centenary is being marked as the University celebrates 125 years as an institution.

Stephen explained how he felt honoured to join the historic ranks of poultry researchers at Harper Adams and added: “Being one of that group of poultry scientists at Harper Adams is a unique and special opportunity, especially with the reputation that the University has held in relation to the National Institute of Poultry Husbandry.

“The construction of a specialised unit under both Dr Paul Rose and Professor Vasil Pirgozliev has enabled the next generation of poultry research to be conducted here and it’s an honour to be one of those researchers.

“Having a dedicated team with a wide range of both backgrounds and experiences is a key attribute – we hold lots of thoughtful discussions that go on to produce research that can be used for both national and international case studies.”