Doctoral Program in Animal Science introduction

Last modified: 24. November 2025

Doctoral Program in Animal Science (DPAS)

The DPAS is an educational organization spanning various units of the university (Gödöllő-Kaposvár-Keszthely-Szarvas), which provides training and scientific work in preparation for obtaining a scientific degree (PhD). The DPAS’s field of science is agricultural sciences, within which we operate in the discipline of animal sciences.
The research areas covered by the doctoral program are diverse, covering the breeding of economically important animal species and related scientific fields (animal physiology and nutrition, animal breeding and genetics, animal biotechnology and wildlife management and wildlife biology, aquaculture and fisheries management). Our work is organized into several subprograms, the main research areas of which are presented below:

Aquaculture and fisheries management subprogram
The Aquaculture and Fisheries Management subprogram focuses on current issues of fish production and fisheries management, with particular attention to the needs of both the domestic and international aquaculture sectors. Beyond the training of aquaculture professionals, the subprogram places great emphasis on the scientific preparedness of doctoral students, fostering a critical perspective on the profession and its related sciences, and encouraging the pursuit of innovative, forward-looking scientific results.

The thematic areas of the subprogram include:

• Fish biology and physiology
• Genetics and conservation of fish populations
• Fish breeding and nutrition
• Reproductive biology of fish, induced spawning, and fry rearing
• Fish genetics, biotechnology, and breeding

Animal biotechnology subprogram 
The aim of the animal biotechnology subprogram is to train highly qualified specialists who will be able to apply modern biotechnological methods in animal husbandry and biotechnology research. The subprogram provides comprehensive knowledge in the fields of embryology, genomics, cell biology, reproductive biology, and molecular genetics, helping students understand the fundamentals of biotechnology research. During the program, students gain broad practical experience in modern laboratory techniques such as embryo and cell culture, in vitro embryo production, transgenesis, targeted genome editing, and genome mapping. This knowledge will support them to gain an understanding of the molecular genetic methods used in animal breeding, the regulatory mechanisms of reproductive biology and genetic diversity, and the molecular processes behind them. Underlining is placed on new technologies such as CRISPR-based genome editing, next-generation genome sequencing, advanced cytogenetic tools, and assisted reproductive techniques to support sustainable animal breeding and animal welfare programs. Students will learn about the ethical regulations related to biotechnology research, warranting the responsible use of experimental methods involving animals. By the end of the PhD program, students will have sufficient knowledge to find employment at research institutes, universities, biotechnology companies, or animal breeding companies. Their interdisciplinary knowledge will enable them to participate in innovative research in the field of animal husbandry and animal biotechnology at domestic and international biotechnology companies and biotechnology research centres.

Animal breeding and genetics subprogram
The subprogram's training plan (see website) ensures that students acquire the latest knowledge in all areas of animal breeding. In addition to biological, genetic, breeding, and technological knowledge related to farm animals, hobby animals, and companion animals, students have the opportunity to learn about the scientific basis of human-animal interactions, and the possible applications of artificial intelligence and sensor technology in animal breeding. Through the announced topics, PhD students may participate in the ongoing research projects of the Institute of Animal Sciences (e.g., GINOP, NKFI ADVANCED), where they can obtain the latest knowledge also in population genomics. The various grants available through MATE (e.g., the Pannonia Scholarship) also provide opportunities for longer-term study abroad and participation in the work of international research groups.  

 

Animal physiology and nutrition subprogram
The most important research and development topics of the subprogram are listed below, and are focusing on the safe and adequate nutrition of farm animals.

• Examination of the digestibility and nutritional value of pig and poultry feeds, with particular regard to energy and digestible amino acid content
• Examination of mineral utilization in pigs and poultry
• Determination of rumen degradability and metabolizable protein content of ruminant feeds
• Complex examination of the effectiveness of early feeding methods based on performance and immune competence, with particular regard to in ovo nutrient supply
• Development of precision feeding systems, mathematical modeling of growth
• In vivo mycotoxicological research on model and farm animals
• Research related to lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defense systems
• Parasitological research in domestic and wild animals
• Antibiotic resistance research from a One Health perspective

Wildlife biology subprogram
Wildlife biology is an applied ecological science, a multidisciplinary science that studies vertebrate species and the relationship between vertebrate species and their environment. Its main goal is to preserve, protect, and sustainable use the natural populations of these species. During its development, the field initially focused only on huntable species, then primarily on birds and mammals, but now covers the entire vertebrate community. Its scientific goal can therefore be defined as understanding the interactions between wild vertebrates and their environment. The practical goal of the field is to apply the knowledge gained to the conservation and, where possible, the sustainable use and exploitation of wildlife populations. In line with the scientific and practical objectives of wildlife biology, the wildlife biology subprogram provides a forum for research on vertebrate species. The practical application of the research results is primarily in wildlife management, nature conservation, animal husbandry, and crop production. At the same time, due to the extensive network of relationships between humans and wildlife (sustainable use, protection, wildlife damage, wildlife collisions, the problem of urban wildlife and its management, etc.), there is virtually no area where the impact of certain wildlife species/vertebrate species is not felt. Within the framework of the wildlife biology subprogram, we therefore welcome doctoral proposals that deal with vertebrate species, study the relationship between these species and their environment, and have practical applications possibilities in terms of the conservation, protection, and utilization of renewable natural resources and the management of related conflicts.