Prof. Tanel Kaart's job shadowing visit on Postgraduate Teaching at the University of Milan

Prof. Tanel Kaart from the Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science at Estonian University of Life Sciences participated in a job shadowing visit at theUniversity of Milan, Italy, from 19–23 May 2025. The programme focused on postgraduate teaching and research within the fields of veterinary medicine, animal science, microbiology, and tissue engineering. The visit provided an excellent opportunity to observe academic practices, research approaches, and doctoral training across several high-profile departments. 

Key Learning Outcomes

• Acquired an in-depth understanding of laboratory techniques, including microbial identification, advanced genotyping methods, and nanopore sequencing.

• Gained insight into tissue engineering applications in both fish and mammalian models.

• Observed the critical role of human expertise and hands-on skills in complementing advanced laboratory technologies.

• Highlighted the importance of data analysis and effective presentation for successful scientific publishing.

• Noted the flexibility of doctoral programmes in veterinary and animal sciences, which can be especially valuable in interdisciplinary research contexts.

• Reflected on how societal, financial, and political factors influence scientific decisions in fields like animal breeding and veterinary practice, both in Italy and Estonia.
  
  

Key Highlights

• Practical demonstrations and discussions around nanopore sequencing and its use in cutting-edge research.

• Introduction to multidimensional analysis of omics data, with applications in monitoring antibiotic residues in wastewater and antibiotic resistance development.

• Observation of the planning process involved in transitioning experiments from in vitro to in vivo stages.

• Visits to top-tier laboratories and clinics, engaging with experts and witnessing the day-to-day operations of academic and research facilities.
  
  

Knowledge Transfer

• Prof. Tanel Kaart engaged in productive exchanges with professors, doctoral candidates, and researchers, sharing insights from the Estonian academic context. Discussions covered curriculum development, PhD funding mechanisms, societal outreach in science, and academic cooperation. The knowledge and experiences gained during the visit will support the advancement of postgraduate teaching and research at the Estonian University of Life Sciences, fostering international collaboration and innovation.

A sincere thank you to all the experts who shared their time, knowledge, and experience:

• Profs Alessio Soggiu, Piera Anna Maria Martino, and Drs Gabriele Meroni, Valerio Sora (Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences)

• Prof Fabrizio Ceciliani, and Drs Martina Penati, Luiz Gustavo De Matos (Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science)

• Prof Paola Crepaldi, and Drs Arianna Bionda, Rolando Pasquariello (Laboratory of Animal Genetics)

• Profs Tiziana A. L. Brevini, Fulvio Gandolfi, Georgia Pennarossa, and Drs Sharon Arcuri, Nicole Verdile, Francesca Di Filippo, Rolando Pasquariello (Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology and Tissue Engineering)

Your warm hospitality and insightful contributions made this experience truly impactful. 

This job shadowing visit was a significant professional development opportunity, offering valuable exposure to European best practices in postgraduate education and interdisciplinary research.