Education & Young scientists

European Master in Animal Biodiversity and Genomics (EMABG): Empowering global talent through collaboration

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Abstract

The European Master in Animal Biodiversity and Genomics (EMABG) is an international master's program operating on a global scale, with the goal of training experts and future leaders in the field. The training within the MSc program takes place at six European universities (BOKU University, Austria; AgroParisTech Paris-Saclay, France; Wageningen University and Research, the Netherlands; Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Sweden; University of Göttingen, Germany; and Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Norway). The students begin their studies jointly in Norway, and then continue in one of the five study tracks. These study tracks offer opportunities to specialize in bioinformatics, biodiversity conservation, integrative biology, One Health applications, and designing breeding programs. Each study track has a specific, carefully designed curriculum, culminating in an MSc thesis under the joint supervision of two consortium universities. This approach exposes the students to a wide variety of academic, work and societal cultures, provides a broad network of personal contacts, including teachers and fellow students, for their future careers. In the previous iteration of the program between 2019 and 2024, at that time with an animal breeding and genetics focus, there were 72 graduates of the program. Based on a long-term alumni follow-up, 60% of graduates continued their studies as PhD students in Europe or elsewhere, 36% were employed in the field of animal breeding and genetics, 4% were employed in other areas. Ultimately, graduates also return to their home countries to take up positions in local industry or governmental organizations. This process fulfills the overall goals of EMABG: to offer high-quality higher education, enhance the quality of training in animal biodiversity and genomics, and to strengthen attractiveness of the European Higher Education Area. The EMABG develops the qualifications of individuals so that they possess the appropriate skills, are open-minded and internationally experienced, all for the benefit of the society.

Keywords: 2026

How to Cite:

Mészáros, G., Repule, M., Cazals, A., Restoux, G., Laissy, I., Lont, D., Bovenhuis, H., Johansson, A., Mikko, S., Strandberg, E., Tetens, J., Difford, G., Telneset, S. & Norberg, E., (2026) “European Master in Animal Biodiversity and Genomics (EMABG): Empowering global talent through collaboration”, World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production Digital Archive 2026(1): 2285650. doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/wcgalp.23766

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