IFRG Meeting 2026

Dear egg- and chicken lovers,

We are happy to announce that the WPSA - Working group 6 – IFRG (Incubation and Fertility Research Group) meeting took place in Utrecht, the Netherlands from October 29–30, 2026. The meeting was held in the beautiful and historic ‘Anatomie’ building, where many veterinary students had their practical anatomy lessons. 

We had a diverse program covering different topics related to both field and basic science on avian species physiology, fertility, and incubation. As in previous years, we encouraged young scientists to join our meeting, share their research findings, and get inspired while connecting with others working in the field of physiology, fertility, and incubation.

Therefore, we continued with the IFRG NextGen funding that was introduced in 2024, through which young scientists can apply to have their registration fee and hotel costs covered. In addition, young scientists could participate in the Nick French Prize competition, awarded for the best research and presentation, kindly sponsored by Aviagen. This years winner was MSc student Anke van Mierlo from the Wageningen University and Research, the Netherlands.

Organizing Committee IFRG meeting 2026
Dr. Roos Molenaar (Chair WG6-IFRG) – Wageningen University & Research, the Netherlands
Dr. Thijs Manders - Utrecht University, the Netherlands
Fiona Schoemaker- van Kaam MSc – Royal GD, the Netherlands
Lotte Hebbink MSc - Royal PasReform, the Netherlands
Miriam Meijerhof MSc -  Hendrix Genetics, the Netherlands

Scientific committee
Dr. Thijs Manders - Utrecht University, the Netherlands
Dr. Nicky Love – Zoetis, UK
Prof. Dr. Stefano Paolo Marelli – University of Milan, Italy
Prof. Dr. Simone Meddle – University of Edinburgh, UK
Dr. Jan Wijnen – HatchTech, the Netherlands