Empowering the next generation of egg sector innovators

This year we launched our inaugural Student Innovation Challenge, the latest addition to our comprehensive research program. Aimed at supporting next gen egg industry researchers, this initiative saw post-secondary students from across the country pitch their innovative research ideas and creative solutions with the aim of helping egg farmers achieve their goals.

Eligible students were invited to submit videos answering the question: What is your research project that can shape the future of the egg industry in Canada? Dozens of inspiring students responded to the call and shared their fresh ideas.

“What is your research project that can shape the future of the egg industry in Canada?”

Three finalists were selected by a jury comprised of academics and egg industry representatives. The finalists were invited to the Egg Farmers of Canada’s annual general meeting in March, where they presented their research projects to an audience of egg industry leaders who were keen to hear their fresh ideas.

Keep reading to learn about our three finalists and hear about their egg-citing research.

Mariève Dallaire-Lamontagne

Mariève is a PhD candidate at Université Laval. She studies under Marie-Hélène Deschamps, a professor and biologist specializing in ecology, physiology and animal nutrition. Mariève’s research explores alternative methods for managing industry byproducts and waste material to enhance sustainability. 

Ravneet Kaur

Ravneet is a Master’s student at the University of Alberta, studying under the guidance of Dr. Vera Mazurak, a professor in the Department of Agricultural Food and Nutritional Science. Ravneet’s research considers the use of eggs to enhance the protein intake of individuals recovering from cancer treatment, promoting better nutritional outcomes and overall well-being during the recovery process. 

Violet Hipkin

Violet Hipkin is a Master’s student at the University of Guelph, studying under the guidance of Dr. Tina Widowski, a professor and animal welfare scientist in the Department of Animal Biosciences and Egg Farmers of Canada Research Chair in Poultry Welfare. Violet’s submission to the Student Innovation Challenge looks to assess various pecking blocks for foraging enrichment to uncover preferences and learn more about health outcomes for hens.

The Student Innovation Challenge celebrates the role of research in driving innovation and tackling the challenges of today and tomorrow. It also drives awareness of career opportunities in agriculture and how a combination of bright ideas and emerging technologies can help egg farmers achieve their goals.

Click here to learn about our comprehensive research program, which includes a Research Grant Program, a cross-disciplinary Research Chair Network and a number of complementary research partnerships. Follow the #EggResearch hashtag on social media to keep up to date with our latest research news and initiatives.

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