Early-career researchers from the CTFC and Agrotecnio strengthen their ability to communicate science and discuss results with rigor.
Improving the presentation skills of PhD students and promoting cooperation among research groups have been the main objectives of the sixth edition of the JRU Research School, a joint initiative of the Forest Science and Technology Centre of Catalonia (CTFC) and Agrotecnio, celebrated annually. This year’s event, held on October 30 and 31 at the ETSEAFIV campus, included result presentation sessions, practical workshops, debates, and social activities to foster interaction and learning among PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and group leaders.
The program was structured into three sessions and three practical workshops. The sessions addressed topics related to forest management and dynamics, forest health and disturbances, and ecosystem services, and were delivered by PhD students from both centers, the CTFC and Agrotecnio. The practical workshops offered were: “From the laboratory to the stage,” focused on scientific communication techniques and impactful presentations; “How to manage a debate,” aimed at learning how to conduct constructive and respectful academic discussions; and “Introduction to UAV platforms with LiDAR and hyperspectral technologies,” dedicated to the use of drones with laser and hyperspectral technology applied to forest sciences.
The Research School is part of the shared commitment between the CTFC and Agrotecnio to provide comprehensive training for young researchers and to promote knowledge transfer in the forestry and agri-food fields. The Joint Research Unit (JRU) between Agrotecnio and the CTFC, created in 2019, was established to promote joint projects on the management of Mediterranean forests and the environmental threats they face. In 2020, the Research School was launched as an initiative led by early-career researchers, aimed at fostering collaboration, training, and the exchange of experiences within the scientific community.
Last modified: 3 November 2025
