USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation have recognised Dr Sacit (“Sarge”) F. Bilgili, professor of Poultry Science at Auburn University, as the 2015 recipient of the annual Charles Beard Research Excellence Award. The award is named in honour of Dr Charles Beard, former director of the Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory and retired vice president of research at USPOULTRY.

Dr Bilgili is pictured above (right) receiving the award from Dr Beard.

The USPOULTRY Foundation Research Advisory Committee selected Dr Bilgili for this prestigious award based on his exceptional research to enhance efficiency and product quality in the broiler industry.

During the course of his research, Dr Bilgili and his colleagues have received numerous research grants from USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation to investigate methods to improve the quality and safety of broiler products and improve poultry production methods. Dr Bilgili has an impressive record of communicating his research findings to the broiler industry and assisting in implementing innovations.

Dr Bilgili commented: “The US Poultry & Egg Association has been very supportive of our research programme over the years, and I am extremely grateful for this support. Dr Beard’s research career is impressive, and I am pleased to receive this award that bears his name.”

Dr John Glisson, vice president for research programs for USPOULTRY, remarked: “Dr Bilgili’s research programme is a great example of how USPOULTRY research funds can be directed toward important, applied research to find solutions to current problems faced by the poultry industry. The quality of Dr Bilgili’s research is outstanding, and the results have been used by the broiler industry to make improvements in several areas including product quality, food safety and broiler production,” remarked .

Dr Bilgili received his DVM from Ankara University in Turkey, his MS from Oregon State University and PhD from Auburn University. He joined the Department of Poultry Science at Auburn University in 1985 as an assistant professor and extension poultry processing specialist, later attaining the ranks of associate professor (1991) and professor (1996). His scholarly work uniquely bridges live production and processing phases of the broiler industry.

The goal of the Charles Beard Research Excellence Award is to recognise outstanding completed research projects, funded by USPOULTRY or the USPOULTRY Foundation, which have made a significant positive impact on the poultry industry.

As the recipient of the award, Dr Bilgili received a $1,500 cash prize.

The award was presented to him during the International Poultry Scientific Forum, held in conjunction with the 2015 International Production & Processing Expo, by Dr Beard and Dr John Smith of Fieldale Farms Corporation, and chairman of the Foundation Research Advisory Committee.