Reflections on genetic improvement.

Dr Helen Newton-Turner introduced a powerful model of bringing science into practice by working closely with breeders and the wider industry. This collaboration model has led to considerable achievements in genetic improvement in the Australian animal industries, with efficient genetic evaluation systems being implemented, providing a platform to achieve well defined breeding objectives and the introduction of new technologies such as genomic selection. The same model can be used to foster future development to achieve sustainable further improvements, allowing further technologies such as functional genomics to be used where they add value. This paper was prepared by Professor Julius van der Werf, the 2021 recipient of the Helen Newton-Turner Medal. Julius was awarded the medal for his outstanding contribution to genetic improvement of Australian livestock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]