Are RAPH students different from other Ph.D. students?
Projects at RAPH have a particular format, which is characterised by a strong emphasis on interdisciplinarity (see Appendix 4). The aim is to teach students problem-solving skills that can be applied to complex situations in clinically, epidemiologically and economically challenging aspects of animal production. However, there is no scientific method by which multidisciplinary skills may be gained. Thus, the Research School organises biannual interdisciplinary seminars, during which students are encouraged to participate in discussions with researchers and students from other disciplines. Much can be learned in this way, for instance an epidemiologist can advise an animal health economist, who in turn might advise a virologist on the economical feasibility of a particular test. RAPH students also become competent in methods used for animal production research, with particular emphasis on those related to animal health and welfare. Most projects are designed to border two disciplines, s
