Chemuniqué is proud to announce that junior research intern Kean Jacobs has achieved significant recognition by winning the first round in the Literature Review category of the Animal Feed Manufacturers Association (AFMA) 2025 Intervarsity Writer’s Cup competition. His article, titled “Digestible calcium in broiler production”, received the highest score from a panel of judges who assessed each submission based on specific criteria.
As a result of this accomplishment, Jacobs’ work will be published in the January 2025 edition of AFMA Matrix, and he will also receive a cash prize. Furthermore, as a quarterly winner, his article is automatically entered for consideration for the overall winner award in the Literature Review category.
Jacobs expressed his gratitude for this honour saying, “Winning the first round of the AFMA 2025 Intervarsity Writer’s Cup competition is an incredible honour and a significant milestone in my academic journey. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity and the invaluable guidance that made this achievement possible. This recognition has further fuelled my curiosity and determination to make a meaningful impact in this field.”
This achievement follows notable successes by two other Chemuniqué interns this year: Jamie Fourie, who was awarded Student of the Year, and Anri Pienaar, who was named runner-up at this year’s AFMA Student of the Year awards. These accolades highlight the exceptional talent cultivated within the Chemuniqué internship programme and underscore its commitment to developing future leaders in animal nutrition and feed science.
The Chemuniqué internship programme is designed to bridge academia and industry, providing students with hands-on experience across various aspects of animal feed research. The programme not only enhances technical skills but also offers interns global perspectives through exchange opportunities in countries such as Thailand, Colombia, and the United States. Terry Wiggill, managing director at Chemuniqué, commented: “At Chemuniqué, we believe in nurturing future leaders in animal science. Through this programme, interns gain exposure to cutting-edge research while receiving mentorship that empowers them to make significant contributions to the field.” This commitment to mentorship is further exemplified by Dr Peter Plumstead, innovation director at Chemuniqué, who recently received the Poultry Science Association (PSA) Mentorship Award, reflecting Chemuniqué’s dedication to fostering emerging professionals in animal science.
“We are immensely proud of our interns for their outstanding contributions and recognition within the industry. Their accomplishments at the AFMA competitions are a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the exceptional training they receive through our internship programme. We remain committed to fostering an environment that encourages innovation and excellence in animal nutrition, and we look forward to seeing how these talented individuals will continue to shape the future of our field,” says Wiggill.
Robyn Joubert is the marketing manager at Chemuniqué, contact Robyn at 074 252 3333 / robyn@chemunique.co.za.