Author: Philipp Oggiano
The PATHWAYS Early Career Immersion Programme (ECIP) is designed to give young researchers hands-on experience in new academic settings, offering them the chance to broaden their skills, build international networks, and discover fresh perspectives in their field. Read the Q&A with Philipp below:
In June 2025 I undertook a 4-week research exchange to the UK, granted by the PATHWAYS Early Career Immersion Programme. I spent the first three weeks at IBERS, Aberystwyth University and then went on to a week of shorter visits at HESTIA, Oxford University and SAPD, Reading University.
What kind of work or research did you do?
The main aim at IBERS was the improvement and update of the farm system and LCA model used to assess livestock systems in PATHWAYS. This included developing nutritional functional units that could be applied to the farm outputs in the environmental impact assessments, enabling a better understanding of their relative contribution to food production.
How did the experience help your career?
Being my first working period abroad since I started my career in LCA research, the intense exchange with colleagues at IBERS fostered my understanding of the methodological details of the model and introduced me to work procedures at various research institutions. Furthermore, exchanging with a wider group of researchers working on similar topics also at Oxford and Reading was highly inspiring and enhanced my professional network for hopefully fruitful collaborations to come.
How did your work or thinking shift because of this experience?
All three institutions I visited engage in agricultural LCA and face similar challenges. It was inspiring to see how varying viewpoints and creativity in academic problem solving came up with different approaches to tackle these daily issues. This experience motivated me to try and think about problems from different angles to find the best solution.
What did you enjoy most about the experience?
The social and networking aspect of the exchange programme was wonderful. I really enjoy meeting new people, and since I spent time at several different institutions, I had plenty of opportunities to do so, whether through work-related discussions or over an after-work drink or dinner. I was struck by the openness and kindness of everyone I met, which I will remember fondly.