Some 100 participants attended the two-day symposium organized by STELA – Centre de recherche en sciences et technologie du lait, a member of INAF-Université Laval. The biennial STELA symposium is a flagship event for the Canadian dairy sector, showcasing cutting-edge dairy research to dairy industry stakeholders.

What a fabulous edition, where the synergy between industry professionals, scientists, and students brings forth an even stronger and more innovative vision of the dairy sector! The strength of our gatherings and exchanges is a pillar that will enable our future generations to continue the evolution of our work.

From circular economy, food waste, milk valorization and transformation – with an international perspective – this symposium was incredibly enriching. We would also like to particularly thank our partners for this edition: Université Laval, IFF, FIL-IDF CANADA, The Council of Quebec Dairy Manufacturers, The Dairy Farmers of Quebec, Lactalis Canada, Lallemand, Fromagerie Bergeron Inc, Centre d’expertise fromagère du Québec, Agropur, FSAA – Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences – Université Laval.

The wonderful program, centered around the theme “The Unavoidable Milk”, highlighted the diverse expertise of the STELA research members. The message of this edition: milk is inimitable, unbeatable, and timeless. It transcends eras and is comforting, like a warm embrace we find throughout our lives and at any time.

Here are the main categories of the program, which brought together experts from here and abroad, as well as student presentations both oral and poster:

• From Milk Production to Transformation
• Milk Quality and Safety
• Innovations in Dairy Processing

Congratulations to the winners of the student presentation contests! Here they are:

Oral Presentations

• 3rd: Siwar Nahali (PhD, supervised by Steve Labrie)
• 2nd: Amadou Ndiaye (PhD, supervised by Marie Filteau)
• 1st: Tristan Muller (PhD, supervised by Laurent Bazinet)

Poster Presentations

• 3rd: Diala Damen (PhD, supervised by Laurent Bazinet)
• 2nd: Gabriel Bernier (Master’s, supervised by Sylvain Moineau)
• 1st: Agathe Schera (PhD, supervised by Sylvie Turgeon)

Congratulations to all the members of the organizing committee for this wonderful event, and thank you to all the participants!