As one of the HSA's activities to mark its Centenary next year, the aim of this Symposium is to present and discuss recent scientific and technical advances in the humane slaughter of farmed animals, the uptake and application of these advances around the world, and their relevance to current farming methods; to help identify future priorities and consider how these may be tackled; and to provide a forum for sharing information and experiences.

Speakers already committed include Dr Temple Grandin of Colorado State University, Dr Andrea Gavinelli of the European Commission and Jia Zili, Director of the Beijing Chaoyang Anhua Animal Product Safety Research Institute.

The HSA said it would like to hear from those who would like to contribute an oral or poster presentation to the Symposium on any aspect of the humane slaughter of livestock, or who are interested in attending. Details of how to submit a presentation abstract can be seen on the HSA website (www.hsa.org.uk) along with further information about the Symposium, or you can contact Heather Barker at the HSA, email [email protected].

The symposium will be held on 30 June and 1 July 2011 at the Historic Dockyard, Portsmouth, UK, and is now seeking contributions and expressions of interest in attending.