The 20th International Congress on Animal Reproduction kicked off on Monday 22 June 2026 in the agricultural city of Obihiro in the Tokachi region of Hokkaido Island of Japan. Ahead of the congress dates, the local organising committee had decorated all the entrances to the city including the airport, train and bus stations as well as the city center square with ICAR 2026 banners to welcome all participants and to signify to the city residents of the influx of animal reproduction scientists from around the world into the town.
ICAR is the largest gathering of Animal Reproductive Scientists in the world and it is an avenue to seek the latest development in the world of animal reproduction. The Congress is held every four years since 1948 and this year is the first time that it would hold outside Europe and North America. Among the participants at this year historic event is Professor Idowu Ola, the president of Society for Animal Reproduction and Improvement from Nigeria and also a steering committee member of ICAR. Professor Ola will be presenting a poster paper and also attend the steering committee meetings where new ICAR executives will be elected and the host for the next ICAR in 2030 will be determined.
The 5 day event is parked full of activities and would feature the award of fifty thousand (50,000) EURO Simmet Prize to the scientist adjudged to have made the greatest contribution to advancing the science and practise of Animal Reproductive Technology in the last four years.
Glad to know that SARI NIGERIA is well represented. Well done our President Prof Idowu. This will help the growth of our Society.