The Annual PhD Student Seminar took place on Monday, December 9, at the Josep Tarragó Auditorium in Torre Marimon and was also accessible virtually. Eighteen candidates in the final phase of their theses presented their research, covering a wide range of topics and showcasing their significant contributions to their respective fields.
Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions, provide feedback, and engage in discussions, fostering both academic exchange and professional networking. The event brought together a dynamic group, creating a productive atmosphere where participants connected, exchanged ideas, and gained insight into each other's work.
A special midday session with Dr. Marçal Verdú, an IRTA alumnus, added significant value to the day. Verdú shared insights into his current work at BonÀrea and reflected on his professional journey. He offered practical advice to PhD students, emphasizing the importance of their skills in industrial settings and the significant impact they can have in driving change and innovation within the sector.
The guest speaker for this edition was Dr. Jordi Gené, a researcher at IRTA Consolida in the Efficient Water Use Program. He delivered an insightful talk on the use and application of artificial intelligence in agriculture, as well as how he achieved his research goals and shaped his professional career. His presentation was inspiring for those soon to become doctors, as he shared valuable advice on fostering curiosity and innovation alongside the drive to acquire key knowledge for success.
One of the seminar’s highlights was the vote for Best Presentation, which recognized Teodor Jové from the Animal Breeding and Genetics Program for his outstanding work titled "Bloody RNA! Unveiling the Blood Transcriptome: Regulatory Variants Involved in Pig Immunity." His engaging presentation earned him a special award—full coverage for an open-access publication based on his research findings. Congratulations, Teodor!
We are pleased with the positive participation and the quality of discussions throughout the day. Events like this seminar continue to provide a valuable platform for PhD candidates to share their work, connect with peers, and build lasting networks. We look forward to organizing more events like this in the future, fostering collaboration and celebrating the achievements of our research community.
