The first Turkish scientist inducted into the International Poultry Hall of Fame helped connect international expertise and genetic resources with Türkiye’s domestic poultry breeding programmes.

Prof. Dr. Rüveyde Akbay has been inducted into the International Poultry Hall of Fame, recognising decades of contributions to poultry science, breeding development and international cooperation. The honour was presented at the World’s Poultry Congress in Toronto, held on 13–17 July 2026.

For an international industry audience, a central strand of her work is the connection between access to breeding material and the development of local research capabilities.

According to the biographical material accompanying the announcement, Akbay helped secure the pure lines used in a Turkish hybrid chicken programme undertaken by Ankara University and the Ankara Poultry Research Institute. The programme produced several domestic lines, including ATAK-S and ATABEY. She also helped obtain the foundation material for Anadolu-T, a domestic meat chicken line.

These contributions illustrate a practical dimension of international cooperation: genetic material obtained through cross-border connections can support breeding work within national research institutions. The available sources document Akbay’s contribution to that process, rather than quantifying its commercial returns.

The World’s Poultry Science Association (WPSA), in its official recognition, highlights her work in translating research into practical knowledge and developing international research networks. Her career included research and teaching experience in the Netherlands, Germany and the United States.

Akbay also chaired the organising committee of the 2004 World’s Poultry Congress in Istanbul and served as WPSA president from 2004 to 2008.

Her induction marks a first for Türkiye while drawing attention to the people and institutions that connect poultry research across borders with domestic breeding and industry development.