In a conversation as layered as the legacy he represents, Dr. Paul Siegel—Distinguished Professor and Professor Emeritus at Virginia Tech—joined PSA Executive Director Andy Vance for an episode of Unplucked, the official podcast of the Poultry Science Association. This special interview, titled “Past, Present and Publish,” is a compelling dive into the evolution of poultry science publishing, the growth of the Poultry Science journal, and the enduring value of thoughtful research.
Dr. Siegel, whose first paper appeared in Poultry Science in 1955, has authored more than 400 journal articles across his storied career. From his early work on cold stress in chickens to leading the journal as Editor-in-Chief from 2002 to 2004, his perspective offers rare insight into both the scientific and human elements of publishing.
He speaks candidly about the shift from a slower, more reflective publishing era—when email didn’t exist and papers were hand-mailed—to today’s fast-paced, digital-first environment. “You had more time to think,” he recalls. “You didn’t come in and look at 30 pieces of email.”
One of his key concerns? The rise of the impact factor as a metric. “You don’t know what the long-term impact is going to be,” he argues, pointing instead to landmark studies published in Poultry Science that reshaped the field years after they appeared. He makes the case for evaluating research by its relevance, not just its citation metrics.
From a practical standpoint, Dr. Siegel highlights emerging innovations such as imaging for feather sexing as areas of excitement. But he’s equally adamant about the importance of foundational science—basic research that lays the groundwork for breakthroughs a decade down the line. “Are you in it for the long run or not?” he asks future scientists.
As PSA looks ahead to its annual meeting and the PSA Pathways Summit this fall, Dr. Siegel’s reflections serve as both a celebration of the journal’s past and a call to action for the next generation of researchers: be bold, stay curious, and always remember the chickens.
Listen to the full episode of Unplucked for more of Dr. Siegel’s stories and insights here.