Adnan Alrubaye, assistant professor of poultry science and associate director of the graduate program in cell and molecular biology, has been named the New Investigator of the Year by the Arkansas Biosciences Institute (ABI). 

The award recognizes outstanding research contributions from early-career scientists whose work demonstrates exceptional promise in advancing ABI's mission to improve the health and wellbeing of Arkansans through innovative biosciences research.

Alrubaye, who teaches in both the Department of Poultry Science in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences and the Department of Biological Sciences in the Fulbright College at the U of A, is known for his engaging instruction and impactful research. He teaches one of the university's largest undergraduate courses, General Microbiology, which enrolls more than 450 students each semester, along with courses in domestic animal microbiology and related laboratories.

"This award is not just a reflection of scientific discovery, but also of the collaborative spirit and forward-thinking investment that ABI brings to bioscience in Arkansas," Alrubaye says. "I am profoundly grateful for ABI's continued support of my research program, especially as we advance field-validated models, cutting-edge science-based analyses and innovative vaccine strategies. Their commitment to high-impact research accelerates the translation of laboratory findings into real-world solutions that can transform industry practice and safeguard future generations of agricultural professionals."

A poultry microbiologist, Alrubaye's research focuses on bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO) lameness, one of the most significant animal welfare and economic challenges in the global broiler industry. His work investigates the bacterial causes and develops mitigation strategies to reduce BCO lameness, which results in hundreds of millions of dollars lost revenue annually due to bird condemnation at market age.

"I am deeply honored to receive the 2025 Arkansas Biosciences Institute (ABI) Early Investigator of the Year Award," he says. "This recognition underscores the transformative potential of our research on Bacterial Chondronecrosis with Osteomyelitis (BCO). This critical musculoskeletal disease threatens both the welfare of broiler chickens and the sustainability of modern poultry production systems. By unraveling the complex interactions among the host, the microbiome and the environment, my team is developing practical, antibiotic-sparing solutions that deliver meaningful benefits to producers, consumers and animal wellbeing." 

Born and raised in southern Iraq, Alrubaye earned his bachelor's degree in veterinary medicine and his master's degree in medical microbiology from the University of Baghdad before completing a master's in science education and a Ph.D. in cell and molecular biology from the U of A.

Throughout his career, Alrubaye has earned numerous awards for teaching, mentorship and research, including the U of A Faculty Gold Medal Award, Bumpers College Jack G. Justus Award for Teaching Excellence, Imhoff Award for Outstanding Teaching and Student Mentorship and the national Educator Award from the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture professional organization.

The ABI New Investigator of the Year Award highlights research that aligns with ABI's core focus areas and shows strong potential for future competitive funding from agencies such as the NIH and USDA. Alrubaye's recognition underscores the significance of his work and its potential to advance both poultry health and broader biosciences innovation across Arkansas and beyond.

About the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences: Bumpers College provides life-changing opportunities to position and prepare graduates who will be leaders in the businesses associated with foods, family, the environment, agriculture, sustainability and human quality of life; and who will be first-choice candidates of employers looking for leaders, innovators, policy makers and entrepreneurs. The college is named for Dale Bumpers, former Arkansas governor and longtime U.S. senator who made the state prominent in national and international agriculture. For more information about Bumpers College, visit our website, and follow us on Twitter at @BumpersCollege and Instagram at BumpersCollege.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas' economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.