Certificate Program in Climate Smart Animal Production Systems

The Certificate Program is designed as a policy dialogue between different stakeholders in the agricultural and food sectors of Azerbaijan and Italy. Representatives from the industry, government, and academia will interact and brainstorm to explore answers to pressing issues and challenges of local small and medium enterprises in the agri-food sector through policy, research, and entrepreneurial response. Throughout the program, the participants will be trained to look for modern solutions tailored to the local context by drawing lessons from current global tendencies and best international practices.  

The program is designed to encompass the critical sectors of animal science, animal health and veterinary services, fishery and aquaculture, poultry farming, meat production, and the dairy industry, which are integral components of the agricultural and food production systems. These fields are deeply interrelated, with a shared focus on enhancing animal welfare, optimizing productivity, and promoting sustainability. Furthermore, these sectors contribute substantially to economic growth, food security, and advancements in scientific research. The program also addresses the complex challenges faced by each sector, including mitigating environmental impacts, managing animal diseases, and upholding ethical standards in animal husbandry and production practices.

• Analyze both immediate and long-term impacts of strategic decisions within the animal industry, considering the intricate interplay between various components at national and international market levels.
• Convert innovative advancements in animal science into commercially viable business solutions that can enhance industry productivity and sustainability.
• Develop creative, forward-thinking responses to pressing challenges, such as environmental concerns, animal disease control, and ethical animal welfare practices, ensuring the continued evolution of the sector.
• Leverage advanced knowledge and cutting-edge technologies to foster the creation or improvement of products, services, processes, policies, business frameworks, and job opportunities within the animal health and production fields.
• Establish a strong link between academic research and industry practice by applying the latest scientific research, processes, and techniques to create new business ventures in the animal science sector.
• Transform practical experience in animal production and management into valuable research questions, thereby contributing to the identification and resolution of complex problems through rigorous scientific inquiry.
• Promote climate change mitigation and adaptation actions in animal production systems, aiming to develop sustainable, resilient practices for both the poultry and aquaculture sectors.

• Economics and Policy for the Management of Animal Production Systems
• Marketing and Trade of Live Animals and Food of Animal Origins
• Precision and Smart Farming in Poultry and Aquaculture
• Innovative Feeding Strategies and for Poultry and Aquaculture
• Sustainable Approaches in Intensive and Extensive Farming Systems
• Innovations in Processing and Quality Assessment of Food of Animal Origins
• Animal Biotechnology, Genetic Improvement and Applied Breeding in Poultry and Aquaculture Systems
• Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies to Enhance the Resilience and Sustainability of Animal Production Systems
• Emerging Food Safety Challenges in Animal Production Systems
• Intellectual Property Rights and Animal Breeds Protection

The Certificate Program aims to be an open discussion for all participants. Each session will cover specific thematic areas, agreed upon to balance the interests of different stakeholders and the two universities. 

Seminars will have an open structure to be as inclusive and participatory as possible. The topics will be addressed from an academic, governmental and entrepreneurial point of view. The modules include case studies and experiences from lecturers and entrepreneurs, inviting to an open discussion. At the end of each session, there will be a round table discussion with experts or the program will host high level guest speaker.

The program is structured in 3 modules taught in the following format:  

Baku module: February 17-21

The Baku module will be structured in five days including:

• Seminars with researchers and international professionals
• Professional workshops
• Designed to encompass the critical sectors of animal science, animal health and veterinary services, fishery and aquaculture, poultry farming, meat production, and the dairy industry
• B2B meetings among Azerbaijani and Italian animal and product producers and a section  dedicated to horticultural products and machineries

Asynchronous remote module (online): April 7-27

The online module provides lessons on remote basis, adopting the most possible participatory
structure. Students will have the opportunity to follow the lessons asynchronously. The module will offer the opportunity to delve deeper in the broad topics introduced during the Baku module also on the basis of participant demand.

Bologna module: May 5 -9

The Bologna module will be structured in five days including:

• Seminars and workshops with researchers and international professionals
• R2B meetings with researchers of the University of Bologna and other organizations
• Company visits
• Professional workshops and dedicated events and visits at FIERA AVICOLA
• B2B meetings at FIERA AVICOLA

Baku module: February 17-21

• February 19: Opening and seminars
• February 20: Seminars/workshops
• February 21: Seminars/workshops
• February 22: Seminars/workshops
• February 22: Company visits for Italian companies
• February 23: Mini-fair with stands (6-7 Azerbaijani companies; 6-7 Italian companies), B2B meetings and professional workshops with companies

Asynchronous remote module (online): April 7-27

Bologna module: May 5 -9

2 nights in Bologna, 3 nights in Rimini 

• May 5-6: Opening at the University of Bologna, visits to DISTAL and DIMEVET labs, experimental stations and facilities, meetings with researchers
• May 7-8: Professional workshops, dedicated events and visits, and B2B meetings at MACFRUT
• May 9:  Company visits

For junior participants, it might be possible to extend the visit by organizing a 2 weeks internship in an Italian company

The language of the program is English.

Upon successful completion of the program, all participants will be awarded a joint Certificate by the ADA University and the University of Bologna.

Experienced professionals, entrepreneurs, and researchers in the area of animal systems.

The fee for the entire program is 1500 AZN (800 euros).

50% discount is offered to researchers and professionals coming from academia. Participants are required to cover the airfare and accommodation expenses of the Bologna module. Travel-related organizational facilitation is to be provided by the organizers.

Please contact iau@ad.edu.az for more information and eligibility for a discount.

All interested candidates must fill out this Online Application form before February 1, 2025.