The Mediterranean Poultry Network:
A Regional Platform for Scientific Cooperation

 

The Mediterranean Poultry Network (MPN) of the World’s Poultry Science Association (WPSA) was established in 2008 as a strategic regional initiative aimed at strengthening scientific cooperation, promoting knowledge exchange, and supporting industry development across the Mediterranean basin. The MPN operated under the umbrella of the WPSA European Federation until 2022, and thereafter continued to serve as a bridge between scientific research, education, and the poultry industry throughout the region, now directly under the World’s Poultry Science Association.

 

The Constitution of the MPN defines its core objectives as follows:

1. To promote the activities of the WPSA in all Mediterranean countries, with particular emphasis on the Eastern and Southern Mediterranean.
2. To expand WPSA membership across the region by establishing new professional and institutional connections within the poultry sector.
3. To advance poultry science knowledge through the encouragement of research, education, and extension services.
4. To coordinate and support future Mediterranean Poultry Summits, providing technical expertise and organizational guidance to ensure scientifically focused and well-structured meetings.

 

 

 

Mediterranean Poultry Summits: A Continuous Scientific Journey:

2008   In pursuit of these objectives, the First Mediterranean Poultry Summit was organized by the WPSA Greece Branch in May 2008 in Chalkidiki, Greece. Beyond its outstanding scientific program, the Summit significantly strengthened professional relationships between scientists and industry stakeholders from across the Mediterranean region.

2009   Building on this success, the Second Summit convened in Antalya, Turkey, in October 2009, bringing together scientists, educators, industry leaders, and producers from numerous countries.

2012   The Third Summit, held in Alexandria, Egypt, in 2012, in conjunction with the 6th International Poultry Conference of the WPSA Egypt Branch, focused on the theme:
“Poultry Production for Better Human Health and a Safer Environment.” (click here to access the abstracts database)

 

2014   In September 2014, the Fourth Summit took place at the American University of Beirut, Lebanon, gathering  participants from 31 countries and distinguished by its high scientific standard, despite the challenging regional circumstances. The event also included a successful commercial poultry exhibition.

2016   The Fifth Summit in October 2016 introduced an innovative format: a scientific conference held aboard a cruise ship navigating the Mediterranean with stops in Italy, Spain, and France, further expanding regional participation and international interest.

2018   The Sixth Summit was hosted in June 2018 at the Università degli Studi di Torino, Italy, attracting 200 scientists from 32 countries and continuing the tradition of scientific excellence.

 

2022   Following the postponement caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Seventh Summit was successfully held in June 2022 at the University of Córdoba, Spain, where over 500 delegates from 33 countries exchanged knowledge in the historic setting of Andalusia.

 

Tragically, the outbreak of war in the Middle East in 2024 led to the cancellation of the planned Eighth Summit in Luxor, Egypt.

 

Looking Forward: Split 2026

Responding to the growing international demand for participation and the strong commitment of the Croatian Branch of the WPSA, the 8th Mediterranean Poultry Summit will now be held in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Split, Croatia, from 27 to 30 September 2026.

 

The MPN of the WPSA remains firmly committed to fostering scientific cooperation, strengthening regional partnerships, and supporting the establishment of new WPSA branches throughout the Mediterranean. Through these efforts, the Network continues to play a vital role in advancing poultry science and sustainable development across the region.