title: Enhancing postgraduate learning and teaching: postgraduate summer school in dairy science.
abstract: Dairy science is a multidisciplinary area of scientific investigation and Ph.D. students aiming to do research in the field of animal and/or veterinary sciences must be aware of this. Ph.D. students often have vast spectra of research interests, and it is quite challenging to satisfy the expectation of all of them. The aim of this study was to establish an international Ph.D. training program based on research collaboration between the University of Sydney and the University of Padova. The core component of this program was a two-week Postgraduate Summer School in Dairy Science, which was held at the University of Padova, for Ph.D. students of both universities. Therefore, we designed a program that encompassed seminars, workshops, laboratory practical sessions, and farm visits. Participants were surveyed using a written questionnaire. Overall, participants have uniformly praised the Summer School calling it a rewarding and valuable learning experience. The Ph.D. Summer School in Dairy Science provided its participants a positive learning experience, provided them the opportunity to establish an international network, and facilitated the development of transferable skills.
authors.affiliation: Dairy Science Group, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, PMB 4003, Narellan, NSW 2567, Australia ; Melbourne School of Land and Environment, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
authors.forename: Pietro
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-7933-3160
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Celi
authors.affiliation: Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Gianfranco
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gabai
authors.affiliation: Department of Agronomy Food Natural resources Animal & Environment, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Morgante
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Medicine Production and Health, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Luigi
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gallo