European Master in Animal Biodiversity and Genomics

ongoing

The domain of animal biodiversity and genomics has undergone a revolution in the recent decade. The availability of high throughput genomic markers as well as phenotypic data from automated recording systems is increasing our understanding of how genetic variation translates into phenotypic variation and adaptation of animal populations. Genomic selection has revolutionised the way livestock and aquaculture species are bred. At the same time, our understanding of the importance of conservation of rare breeds and species and their potential role in future climate-proof and circular agricultural systems has increased dramatically. The European Master in Animal Biodiversity and Genomics (EMABG) responds to an urgent demand from industry and society for experts that can reflect on and provide solutions for the current problems the EU is facing: biodiversity loss, climate change, and a transition to a more sustainable system of livestock and fish production. In this programme, six leading European universities: University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Wageningen University (WU), AgroParisTech/Université Paris-Saclay (APT), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and University of Göttingen (UGOE); join forces to ensure excellence in teaching and research. All students start with a semester at NMBU, where they make a choice reflecting their greatest interest, guided by internships with our associated partners. In addition, a transversal project is designed, where the students expand their knowledge and review various aspects of animal breeding and genomics in the context of the UN SDGs. Master theses are jointly supervised by senior scientists of two universities, with a possible co-supervision from our associated partners: representatives of international organisations, universities and breeding companies and associations involved in the conservation of biodiversity.