Where do you currently work, and what is your role?

I work at bonÀrea Agrupa, a company in the agri-food sector, as the Head of R&D&I in Animal Nutrition.
When I started, it was largely thanks to Maria Devant, who helped me establish a connection with BonÀrea. She identified a need within the company and communicated it to the director. Initially, my salary was covered through a project funded by the Ministry of Livestock.
During the last two years of my PhD at IRTA, I had already conducted a couple of studies with bonÀrea, so the transition into my new role felt quite natural. By the time I officially joined the company, I was no longer working at IRTA, but the relationship was already there.
At first, I was responsible for executing a specific project, which required frequent travel by car. At the same time, I was involved in another project focused on setting up a farm from scratch. One of these projects didn’t go as expected, and once they concluded, we had to redefine my position and responsibilities within the company.
Over time, I gradually took on more responsibilities, and my role became more established within the team.

What motivated you to pursue a PhD at IRTA?

I studied veterinary medicine as a second degree—it was a lifelong dream of mine. By the time I pursued it, I had the maturity to fully understand what it entailed. I had always wanted to work in clinical practice and dairy production.
I initially started working in the Girona area, but I’m from Barcelona. For personal reasons, I had to adjust my plans and look for new opportunities. I looked into movinto into Osona, but the truth is that I found that there were fewer options in the dairy cattle sector in the proximity of Barcelona.
While job hunting, the opportunity to do a PhD came up. It wasn’t my first choice, but I saw it as an interesting career opportunity and a way to expand my knowledge while waiting for new professional prospects. I eventually leaned towards it. The fact that my father was a professor also influenced me in some way. Looking back, I realize it was a great opportunity that opened many doors for my professional future.

How do you remember your experience at IRTA?

I have very fond memories of it. I felt very comfortable in the ruminant program. Scientifically, it provided me with excellent training and prepared me to tackle professional challenges.
The environment was welcoming, quite familiar, and authentic. The atmosphere was both professional and personal, making it a great place to learn and grow. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate even more the experience of having been part of this program.

To what extent do you think your time at IRTA helped you professionally?

A great deal—100%. It provided me with the training I needed and opened the door to my current position. As I mentioned earlier, the relationship between IRTA and bonÀrea was crucial in helping me get to know the industry and ultimately secure my role.
Looking back, what do you value the most from everything you’ve learned?
The ability to take on challenges and find the most effective way to solve them

What do you think are the main challenges in the sector today?

Some of the key challenges in the industry include modernization and digitalization, technification and professionalism and the need for a more analytical approach.
But honestly, for me, the most important thing is believing in research and innovation. There is still significant resistance within the sector, and it’s challenging to get companies to fully commit to these changes. It’s a process of gradual progress, but it is essential for the industry’s future development.

What are you most proud of in your work? And what advice would you give to someone looking to follow in your footsteps?

I strive to work with humility, always aiming to contribute to research and innovation in my own way. Changing certain dynamics within such a big organization isn’t always easy, but it’s an exciting challenge. I enjoy the process and find it rewarding to see positive changes taking shape over time.
To those considering a similar path, I would say that the most important part of a PhD is the journey itself. It is a highly enriching learning experience that typically provides both professional and personal rewards in the long run.