UNU‑BIOLAC and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (FMVZ‑USP) invite applications to an intensive, four‑day international course designed to turn metabolomics into practical solutions for animal production, meat quality, and sustainability.
What the course is about
This hands‑on programme shows how metabolomics—the study of small molecules in biological systems—can help monitor animal health, improve feed efficiency, advance reproductive performance, and connect production practices to meat quality and consumer expectations. Participants will learn to go from experimental design to data analysis and biological interpretation, focused on real use‑cases in livestock and the meat value chain.
Learning modalities
- Lectures & plenaries on applied metabolomics for livestock, analytical strategies, and study design, including sessions led by Prof. David S. Wishart (TMIC, University of Alberta) and Prof. Nara R. B. Cônsolo (FMVZ‑USP).
- Hands‑on training with metabolomics software, spectral processing, statistics (uni‑ & multivariate), and biological interpretation to turn raw data into decisions.
- Poster session to share ongoing work, receive feedback, and build collaborations across Latin America.
- Technical visits to laboratories at USP, EMBRAPA, and UFSCar to experience workflows and infrastructure first‑hand.
- Hybrid access: in‑person in Pirassununga (SP, Brazil), with virtual sessions available for those who cannot travel. Language of instruction: English.
Who should apply
- Undergraduate and graduate students, early‑career researchers, and faculty in animal science, veterinary medicine, biotechnology, and related fields.
- Professionals in the animal production sector seeking to apply metabolomics to efficiency, welfare, product quality, and sustainability.
By the end of the course, attendees will be able to:
- Design metabolomics studies for livestock applications and select appropriate analytical approaches.
- Process spectra, run statistical analyses, and translate output into actionable biological insights.
- Identify metabolic biomarkers linked to feed efficiency, health, reproduction, and meat quality, and understand their implications for management and selection.
Build collaborations with a network of Brazilian and international experts and explore opportunities with TMIC and partner institutions.
Key details
Dates: 27–30 July 2026 (4 days)
Venue: FMVZ‑USP, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil (with selected visits to USP, EMBRAPA, UFSCar labs)
Format: Lectures + practical software sessions + posters + lab visits; English language; participants should bring a personal laptop.
Fellowships & support
UNU‑BIOLAC will sponsor a limited number of Latin American participants (travel, lodging, and meals as budgeted), prioritizing early‑career researchers and diversity across the region. Additional support is provided by FMVZ‑USP and The Metabolomics Innovation Centre (TMIC).
How selection works
A scientific committee will evaluate candidates based on motivation, relevance to animal production and sustainability, regional balance, and career stage. Selected participants will be invited to present a poster during the course.
Application procedure
Applications will be received via this form (Google login required)
For more information, send your questions to nara.consolo@usp.br
Last day to apply: March 10th, 2026.
