The American Meat Science Association is a broad-reaching organization of individuals that discovers, develops, and disseminates its collective meat science knowledge to provide leadership, education, and professional development. Our passion is to help meat science professionals achieve previously unimaginable levels of performance and reach even higher goals. We accomplish this by fostering a learning community of meat scientists, industry partners, outside thought leaders and other stakeholders who embrace this vision.
AMSA is an individual membership organization of more than 1000 meat scientists representing major university research and teaching institutions and meat processing companies in the United States and internationally. Its members conduct basic and applied research and education programs in muscle growth and development, meat quality, food safety, processing technology and consumer and marketing issues relevant to the international meat industry.
AMSA is the premier provider of learning and knowledge for the
meat science discipline. The association delivers innovative learning experiences, opportunities for peer-to-peer collaboration and leadership development programs designed to advance the meat science discipline.
Offerings include industry science conferences, continuing education programs in meat quality and consistency, a peer-reviewed journal, and a growing online library of articles, fact sheets and training resources. In addition, the organization promotes the development of students through its innovative meat judging program, product development competition and leadership training activities.
Reciprocal Meat Conference
For over seventy years, meat scientists have gathered annually to share research findings and seek solutions to common problems. The RMC has become a must-attend event for scientists who want to maintain their network while keeping current on the wide spectrum of research in the meat science discipline.
Resources
AMSA members enjoy a semi-weekly subscription to AMSA eNews. The electronic publication delivers industry news and ideas that facilitate scientific exchange and networking.
Meat and Muscle Biology, the newly launched official journal of AMSA provides peer reviewed articles on original research in the discipline.
AMSA’s special interest sections provide targeted networking opportunities for specific areas of meat science. AMSA’s meatscience.org is a growing knowledge resource providing solutions to problems and reviews of current research subjects.
Continuing Education
AMSA’s PORK 101 series is a popular program designed to educate individuals from across the production chain on the issues affecting pork quality and consistency. SALUMI 101 offers an educational experience learning about the production of safe and high-quality artisan-style meats. POULTRY 101 and 201 offers participants an in-depth look at production and processing factors that impact final product quality as well as marination, batter, and breading systems.
In 2013, AMSA launched a webinar series for members that addresses a wide range of topics related to meat science, communication and collaboration.
AMSA partners with industry trade organizations to produce research conferences that bring state of the art research results to bear on current issues facing industry.
Professional Development
Students and young professionals are given leadership, critical thinking and team building experience through a number of programs. For over 85 years, the intercollegiate meat judging program has introduced top young minds to the meat industry. Many participants in these programs go on to leadership positions in the meat industry and scientific community.
STEP (Student Training and Education Programs) is another avenue where students get exposure to industry relevant partners. These opportunities provide valuable experiences, opportunities to explore career options, and feedback from those involved in the industry.
Student Leaders Connecting (SLC) conference offers another opportunity for students to gain exposure to different institutions, leaders, and companies around the U.S. There are three total SLCs held each year, with two targeting the East and West coasts to expose students to meat industry relevant topics. The national SLC conference is held in more centrally located areas. Each year, the conferences move locations, and hopefully we will be coming to a city near you!
Industry Information Source
An ongoing effort to develop current white papers and research summaries puts quality science-based resources in the hands of policy makers and others who need quick access to the most current information available.