At IRTA, we continuously work to foster talent. Within this framework, the Scientific Directorate organizes initiatives such as The PhD Community Days: Present, Progress & Possibilities, a gathering that, now in its seventh edition, has become a key space to showcase the research work of PhD.
Formerly known as the Annual PhD Candidate Seminar, this year’s event was held over two sessions, on January 14 and 15, marking one of the most significant changes compared to previous editions. The first session focused on professional opportunities after the PhD, while the second centered on presentations by PhD’s about their research projects.
The first day, held online on January 14, brought together around fifty participants and focused on professional opportunities and career development after the PhD. The event opened with a keynote by IRTA’s Scientific Director, Jordi Garcia-Mas, who provided an overview of the institution’s doctoral programs.
Following this, Anna Casadellà, Coordinator for PhD Development, addressed the various professional paths available after completing a PhD. All the content was illustrated with the testimony of researcher and alumna Laura López-Mas, who shared her professional experience after finishing her doctoral thesis at IRTA, offering a realistic perspective on the multiple career trajectories possible both inside and outside academia.
The second day, held on January 15 at the Josep Tarragó Auditorium of IRTA Torre Marimon, brought together nearly sixty participants. During this in-person session, PhD in the final phase of their doctoral theses presented the results and progress of their research projects. Work was showcased in areas such as genomics and biotechnology, animal production and health, postharvest, food functionality and safety, aquaculture, and sustainable plant protection.
In parallel, a jury composed of postdoctoral researchers Federico Tomasello, Erick Zuñiga, Daniela Maza, Alejandro Flores, and Sergio Montaner evaluated the various presentations and ultimately decided to award the Best Pitch Award to PhD researcher Nicole Pradas from the Genomics and Biotechnology program. Nicole presented on molecular improvement assisted by genomics and the development of web tools in crops of the Rosaceae family. The award includes the opportunity to publish an open-access article in a scientific journal.
“These kinds of events are very enriching because they allow us PhD students to meet, share experiences, and learn about the great work everyone is doing. Receiving this award is very valuable, as it gives you the opportunity to give visibility to your research and share it with the scientific community,” highlights Nicole Pradas.
The day concluded with a talk by Eva Ogué, Head of IRTA’s Valorization Office, aimed at providing PhD with practical tools to advance the impact of their research, such as finding industry partners and exploring different pathways for technology transfer and commercialization.
