The event began with a joint stakeholder session in partnership with the EU project AVANT, fostering discussions on sustainable pig farming and the reduction of antibiotic use.

Experts from both projects presented progressive research, facilitating an exchange of knowledge and strategies aimed at enhancing industry practices and animal health.

Alongside this, the Data Integration Pillar hosted a Bioinformatics Workshop, leveraging the presence of international students. This hands-on session equipped participants with practical data analysis tools, providing an opportunity to develop new skills and collaborate across disciplines.

Different fields working together drive progress

Researchers engaged in a series of themed presentations that helped establish connections between different areas of study within the PIG-PARADIGM project.

These conversations really showed how everyone’s work is connected to tackling the bigger issue of post-weaning diarrhea in pigs – a major factor driving antibiotic use in pig production. It’s a great reminder of how teamwork across different fields makes a huge difference.

Kunal Dixit, a Postdoc at UC Davis, also emphasized the importance of collaboration, saying:

"This is my first time attending the PIG-PARADIGM Annual Meeting, and it has been a really great experience. We have so many universities working together toward a common goal—tackling post-weaning diarrhea in pigs. I mean, how often do you get the chance to collaborate across different pillars, all looking at different aspects of the same problem?"

Visiting Novonesis gave everyone a firsthand look at how research moves from the lab to real-world applications. Seeing how industry tackles innovation and problem-solving helped participants better understand the connections between academic research and commercial development.

One of the standout sessions was a workshop by the International Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions (ICARS), where researchers got a deep dive into implementation science—basically, how to turn lab discoveries into practical, real-world solutions. Tackling AMR isn’t just about groundbreaking research; it’s about making sure those breakthroughs reach industry and policymakers in a way that drives real change.

The ECR workshop focused on essential soft skills, helping early-career scientists tackle imposter syndrome and boost their public speaking confidence. By sharpening their ability to communicate effectively, researchers can make sure their findings are not just heard but truly resonate.

How is PIG-PARADIGM shaping the future?

As the meeting drew to a close, members of the Steering Committee and key faculty headed to the Novo Nordisk Foundation, the project’s sponsor, to review progress and map out the next steps. With PIG-PARADIGM undergoing its mid-term evaluation, these discussions helped sharpen strategies and keep the momentum going strong.

Charlotte Lauridsen, head of the Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University, and coordinator of PIG-PARADIGM,reflecting on the event's accomplishments, noted:

"I’m really happy with the progress of PIG-PARADIGM. There has been an amazing number of new results. I think we truly have the potential to make a difference when it comes to antimicrobial resistance and how to reduce it."

AMR continues to be one of the most pressing health challenges globally.

The partnerships built between academia, industry, policymakers, and other stakeholders at this meeting reinforced the critical need for ongoing scientific innovation. As PIG-PARADIGM moves forward, keeping up the momentum, sharing discoveries, and turning research into real-world solutions will be key.

The commitment was clear, and the future, though challenging, held promise.