From Barn to Cloud: Where Artificial Intelligence Meets Every Animal

Welcome Letter

On behalf of our Stage 3 Animal Science students, we are delighted to welcome you to this year's annual Animal Science Conference 2025.

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This year's theme is “From Barn to Cloud: Where Artificial Intelligence Meets Every Animal." We have chosen to explore this theme as AI has emerged and flourished within the past few years, and we believe the intersection of technology with Animal Science holds the key to solving some of the biggest problems in our sector. Our conference will highlight how AI is not just a tool for efficiency, but a critical tool used to improve animal welfare, sustainability and a deeper understanding of the animals we care for.

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The programme features student-led presentations on topics ranging from AI-driven health monitoring systems in livestock to emerging technologies in companion animal welfare. We are also incredibly excited to host our guest speakers, including Stuart Norris from the Donkey Sanctuary, a senior statistician who will share groundbreaking work on all things AI with donkeys, from behaviour to mule weight estimation. Their insights will provide a vital connection between our academic studies and real-world applications. Additionally, we are thrilled to welcome Ian Glendinning, a local naturalist and postgraduate researcher, who will share his work on red squirrel conservation and the innovative technologies aiding their protection. His unique journey into academia later in life embodies the spirit of lifelong learning we hope to inspire.

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We would like to send our sincere gratitude to our donors and guest speakers. Your generous support and shared belief in our vision have made this event possible. A special thanks is also due to our dedicated student committee, who have worked tirelessly to bring this conference to fruition, and to our lecturers, Dr Catherine Douglas and Dr Andrew Beard, for their unwavering guidance and support.

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Thank you for joining us. We hope you find the day's discussions inspiring and leave with new perspectives within our industry. Please enjoy the conference.

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Yours sincerely,

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Helaina Taylor

Conference President

BSc Animal Science, Newcastle University