The Hidden Language of Animal Genomes: From Gene Regulation to Precision Breeding

Speaker: Zhou Huaijun

Venue: Lecture Room E122, College of Animal Science Building, Zijingang Campus

Abstract: Dr. Huaijun Zhou is Chancellor’s Leadership Professor and Vice Chair of the Department of Animal Science at the University of California, Davis. His research integrates genetics, functional genomics, epigenetics, and bioinformatics to understand how genetic variation and gene regulation shape complex traits in farm animals, with a particular emphasis on poultry. His work connects fundamental discoveries in genome function with efforts to improve animal health, production efficiency, and environmental adaptability. Dr. Zhou co-chairs the Steering Committee of the international Functional Annotation of Animal Genomes (FAANG) Consortium and co-coordinates FarmGTEx, including ChickenGTEx. These collaborative initiatives link genetic variation to genome function and economically important traits, providing a foundation for precision animal breeding. He previously directed the USAID Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Genomics to Improve Poultry and served as USDA Poultry Genome Coordinator. He received the National Academy of Sciences Prize in Food and Agriculture Sciences in 2023 and is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. In 2024, he was named among the World Food Prize Foundation’s inaugural Top Agrifood Pioneers. His recent honors include the 2026 American Society of Animal Science Innovation in Animal Breeding and Genetics Award and the UC Davis Exceptional Faculty Award.