Dr. García Morante's career is a success story and a source of inspiration for future industrial PhD students. From her work in Germany to her teaching experience in the United States, Dr. García Morante has demonstrated an adaptability and vision that are fundamental in the world of collaborative research. Her research applied to respiratory diseases in the swine sector has had a considerable impact in both the academic, industrial and social fields.
A benchmark trajectory
Industrial doctor Beatriz García Morante is a very good example of a bridge between the academic and socio-economic spheres. Specializing in respiratory diseases affecting the pig sector, her professional career represents a role model in the dynamic world of collaborative research . With a solid academic background and a multidisciplinary approach, Dr. García Morante has been able to navigate the waters that separate basic research from its practical applications in industry.
His industrial doctoral project was developed in collaboration with the international pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim, the Animal Health Research Center (CReSA) which is part of the Institute of Agro-Food Research and Technology (IRTA) and the Autonomous University of Barcelona. The project was co-directed by Dr. Marina Sibila and Dr. Joaquim Segalés, whom we interviewed in 2021. “ This industrial doctoral project was born with the aim of optimizing and standardizing the experimental model of M. hyopneumoniae used in the development and testing of medicines and healthcare products in pigs, ” highlights Dr. García Morante.
Once she completed her industrial doctorate, the relationship with the company was maintained . Specifically, she became part of one of the company's centers in Hannover (Germany), specifically dedicated to animal health research, where she was able to lead, manage and supervise different projects simultaneously . Later, she did a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Minnesota (United States), where she met other work teams and was able to expand her professional connections, and also resumed her academic career supervising undergraduate and master's students. Currently, as a researcher at IRTA, she continues to collaborate with Boehringer Ingelheim.
His research has not only provided relevant scientific advances in the study of respiratory diseases in pigs, but he has also been able to translate this knowledge into practical applications that have a direct impact on the quality of life of the animals, on the sustainability of the sector and, by extension, on public health.
Due to this successful trajectory, and with the desire to serve as inspiration, industrial doctor Garcia Morante was invited to give the welcome at the event commemorating the ten years of the Industrial Doctorate Plan on October 3 of this year.
The severity of respiratory diseases in the swine sector
The pig industry has a very important weight in Catalonia and is one of the main ones in Europe . For this reason, it is crucial that all parts, in this case the pigs, are in the best possible state of health.
This idea of keeping pigs healthy goes beyond simple animal health. It is part of a broader approach known as “ One Health,” which recognizes that animal health, human health, and ecosystem health are all interconnected. According to Dr. Garcia Morante: “enjoying health is essential for animal welfare, but also for achieving food security and promoting sustainable meat production systems.”
However, in the context we are dealing with, there is a bacterium that is particularly problematic: M. hyopneumoniae . This small microorganism is one of the main culprits of respiratory infections in pig farms around the world. And we are not talking about a sporadic infection; it is an issue that is found in a generalized manner in many of the countries that have significant pig production. Although we know that this bacterium is a serious problem, there are still many unanswered questions about how it works exactly. According to Dr. García Morante, “ there are still many gaps in the understanding of the complex pathogenesis of this disease .” These gaps represent a challenge for researchers and animal health professionals, and it should be added that this disease is difficult to reproduce experimentally. With this context, the need for strategic and collaborative research in this area became evident.
Studying a disease in a laboratory often involves creating an “experimental model”; that is, a simplified version of the disease that scientists can manipulate and observe under controlled conditions. This way, they can learn more about how the disease develops and how to combat it. Ultimately, according to Garcia Morante: “ a validated experimental model of M. hyopneumoniae that ensures the reproduction of pneumonia in a homogeneous manner in infected pigs is of interest to the pharmaceutical industry .”
The Impact of the Industrial Doctorate Plan on Research
The truth is that IRTA-CReSA had already had specific activities with companies in applied science projects, but with “ industrial doctorates a much closer collaboration is established, participating directly in the company's R&D&I, ” García Morante points out. It is important to remember that with an industrial doctorate the company has the possibility of addressing its strategic needs, attracting talent and improving its competitiveness : “ we understand that an industrial doctorate requires a deep understanding of the company's priorities and challenges, and a focus on generating results that have a direct impact and added value for the organization, ” concludes the doctor.
The project has allowed us to improve the conditions of the experimental model of M. hyopneumoniae with a greater impact on the reproduction of pneumonia in pigs. From optimizing the growth of strains of the bacteria in a laboratory environment, to identifying immunological markers (indicators that can be measured without having to sacrifice the animal) that allow us to follow the evolution of the disease.
The results of this research are very relevant because they serve as a basis for future scientific studies, but they are also a powerful tool for pharmaceutical companies. With this model, companies can develop more effective drugs and treatments with greater confidence in their results to tackle the disease .
The experience with the Industrial Doctorate Plan
As the doctor herself explained, the experience of an industrial doctorate has offered her a unique opportunity to combine academic experience with business practice, expanding her job options beyond the university field . However, this type of training encourages the development of transversal skills and the creation of professional networks in various sectors. In addition, the experience of working in a multidisciplinary team enriches her vision and problem-solving skills, qualities that are valuable in current research projects: “ this multidisciplinary perspective has allowed me to acquire a holistic vision and a comprehensive approach to problem solving .”
During the conversation we had with Dr. Garcia Morante, she wanted to offer advice to future industrial doctoral students to make the most of their experience: “ it is essential to demonstrate initiative and proactivity, propose ideas to improve processes or solve problems, and seek opportunities to work in collaboration with other teams and departments within the company .” In addition, she believes that research staff in training for applied research can benefit from the experience of an industrial doctorate in the East.
