The 6th PhD Annual Seminar: A Day of Research and Networking

The PhD Annual Seminar took place last Monday, December 9th, at Torre Marimon’s Auditori Josep Tarragó and it could also be following virtually. Eighteen candidates in the final stages 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, offer 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 learned more about each other’s work.

A special lunchtime session with Dr Marçal Verdú, an IRTA Alumnus, added significant value to the day. Dr Verdú shared insights into his current work at BonÀrea and reflected on his career journey. He offered practical advice to PhD candidates, highlighting the importance of their skills in industry settings and the meaningful impact they can have in driving change and innovation within the sector.

This year’s guest speaker, Dr Jordi Gené, IRTA Consolida Researcher from the Efficient Use of Water 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 forged his career path. His talk was inspiring for the soon to be doctors as he gave many tips on pursuing curiosity and innovation together with the will of acquiring key knowledge to achieve success.

One of the Seminar’s highlights was the voting for Best Pitch, which recognized Teodor Jové from the Animal Breeding and Genetics Program for his outstanding work titled “Bloody RNA! Unveiling blood transcriptome regulatory variants involved in pig immunity.” His engaging presentation earned him a special prize: full coverage for an Open Access publication based on his research findings. Congratulations, Teodor!

We are pleased with the positive turnout and the quality of the discussions throughout the day. Events like this Seminar continue to offer 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.