Author: Max Gero
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 Max’s entry below:
When I signed up for the Early Career Immersion Programme, I expected to learn a few things about sustainable agriculture. This was in collaboration with Prof. Laurence Smith and his team during my time as a Master’s student in the 2023/2024 academic year at the University of Reading. What I didn’t anticipate was how transformative the experience would be—not just for my academic growth, but for how I see the future of farming, research, and my own career.
Digging into the Dirt (Literally and Figuratively)
My research journey was anything but conventional. I dove deep into the science behind grass-fed pasture systems and their benefits over grain-fed alternatives. Working with bionutrient data, I used advanced statistical tools to evaluate the nutritional impact of different feeding systems on soil, plants, animals, and ultimately human health.
It wasn’t just about crunching numbers; I explored Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) reports to identify microbial species in soils, helping determine how biodiversity influences nutrient cycling. I also analysed hay content from regenerative farms to assess antioxidant levels, metal and fatty acid composition, and other indicators of nutritional viability. The deeper I dug, the more I saw the value in sustainable systems grounded in nature.
Beyond the Lab: Learning on the Land
What I loved most about the programme was how it blended scientific inquiry with real-world experience. I connected with passionate professionals in the regenerative agriculture (Regen Ag) space through online webinars and video meetings. But the real magic happened on the ground.
Farm visits to PfL-approved farmers in Winchester and Berkshire brought the research to life. I attended the Groundswell Regenerative Agriculture Festival—an event buzzing with innovation and big ideas. These moments of practical learning and face-to-face interaction made me realise: this industry isn’t just about growing food; it’s about growing ideas.
A Lesson That Will Stay with Me
One of the most powerful lessons I took away was witnessing the resilience and ingenuity of UK farmers. They showed how agricultural industrialisation and environmental stewardship aren’t opposing forces—they can, and should, work in harmony.
I saw farmers using smart mechanisation and tech to optimise outputs while prioritising the health of their soils, ecosystems, and communities. It highlighted the importance of balancing profitability with sustainability, something that has profound implications for anyone venturing into agribusiness.
Shaping My Career Through Data and Discovery
This programme didn’t just deepen my understanding of agriculture—it reshaped my career ambitions. I realised that data is the backbone of meaningful research and informed decision-making in today’s agricultural landscape.
Inspired by the tools I encountered, I’ve since committed to expanding my data science skills. I’m diving into platforms like Advanced Excel, Stata, Python (Pandas and Jupyter Notebooks), Tableau, Power BI, and NVivo, using resources from Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and university platforms. These tools are helping me build a portfolio that bridges agricultural knowledge with cutting-edge data analysis, skills that are increasingly vital in both academia and industry.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Jump In
If you’re a curious mind with a passion for research, innovation, and sustainable development, the Early Career Immersion Programme is for you. Whether you’re interested in agriculture, data, environmental science, or global development, this experience offers hands-on exposure in a developed country context, with mentorship from some of the most forward-thinking professionals in the field.
This isn’t just a programme—it’s a launchpad. One that will challenge how you think, equip you with tools for the future, and connect you to a network of people who are changing the face of food and farming.