Eilidh Thomson, Lecturer on the Veterinary Medicine programme at South East Technological University (SETU), recently attended the 20th Annual International Congress on Animal Reproduction in Obihiro, Japan.
The congress is one of the leading international forums in the field of animal reproduction, bringing together researchers, clinicians, policymakers and industry representatives from around the world.

For Eilidh, attending the congress provided an opportunity to share the findings of a multi-institutional European research project with the wider international scientific community, while also developing new connections with researchers and experts in the field.

Her attendance was supported through the EU-CONEXUS Mobility Fund, which provides opportunities for SETU staff and students to participate in international activities and build connections across the EU-CONEXUS alliance and beyond.

Building international connections through EU-CONEXUS

The conference also provided an opportunity for Eilidh to represent SETU and the wider EU-CONEXUS Alliance while exploring potential collaborations that could support the development of Veterinary Medicine at SETU. In particular, the connections made at the congress could help develop new research collaborations focused on sustainability in dairy production and reproductive health.


Reflecting on the wider impact of the research, Eilidh said:
“The research has direct relevance to both animal welfare and agricultural sustainability. By advancing evidence-based approaches to reproductive health and efficiency, the project contributes to improved welfare outcomes for animals while also supporting more sustainable livestock production systems. These priorities are strongly aligned with the EU-CONEXUS mission, particularly its commitment to sustainability, international partnership and impactful research that addresses global societal challenges.”


For Eilidh, the opportunity to make these international connections highlights the value of collaboration in research through EU-CONEXUS:
“It is so beneficial. Collaboration is the cornerstone of research now, and creating an international, transdisciplinary team is so important. However, it can be expensive to travel to international conferences to make these connections. The EU-CONEXUS Mobility Fund was instrumental in getting me to Japan.”


The experience highlights how EU-CONEXUS can support SETU staff in building international research networks, developing new collaborations and bringing expertise and opportunities back to the university.
More information on the EU-CONEXUS mobility fund can be found here.