VITAL Project Online Training Series on the Future of Livestock Farming
9–20 November 2026
The University of Nicosia, a partner in the EU-funded VITAL (Vocational Innovation and Training for Animal Livestock) project, invites veterinarians, livestock farmers, agricultural professionals, researchers, educators and students to participate in a series of six free online training sessions taking place from 9 to 20 November 2026.
The training series brings together experts from across Europe to explore the knowledge, technologies and professional skills shaping the future of the livestock sector. Each session focuses on different animal species while addressing four key thematic areas:
- Digitalisation: Emerging technologies, innovative tools and digital solutions for livestock management.
- Sustainability: Environmentally responsible farming practices, resource efficiency and sustainable livestock production.
- Biosecurity: Disease prevention, animal health management and strategies to reduce biological risks.
- Animal Welfare: Welfare standards, ethical practices and approaches to improving animal health and wellbeing.
Training Schedule
The programme comprises six live online sessions, each lasting three hours:
- Monday, 9 November Cattle & Buffaloes
- Wednesday, 11 November Swine
- Friday, 13 November Sheep & Goats
- Monday, 16 November Horses & Donkeys
- Wednesday, 18 November Poultry & Rabbits
- Friday, 20 November Other Species & Wildlife
Time: 14:30–17:30 CET (15:30–18:30 Cyprus time)
Format: Live online via Google Meet
Language: English
Participation: Free of charge. Participants may register for one, several or all six sessions.
Registration Now Open
All sessions will be delivered in English, and participants may select those most relevant to their professional interests. Registered participants will receive the Google Meet joining information ahead of their selected sessions.
University of Nicosia Veterinary Expertise
The training series will feature two specialists from the University of Nicosia School of Veterinary Medicine, contributing expertise in biosecurity and animal welfare in swine production.
Dr Kyriakos Spanoudes, Associate Head of the Department of Veterinary Medicine, is a research veterinarian whose work spans animal welfare, veterinary clinical trials and biomedical science.
Dr Marios Christoforou, Clinical Assistant Professor, has extensive experience in livestock health management, infectious disease control and herd productivity, including veterinary advisory work across the pig, dairy cattle, sheep and goat sectors.
About VITAL
VITAL (Vocational Innovation and Training for Animal Livestock) is an Erasmus+ project developing skills for sustainable and innovative livestock farming, with the University of Nicosia participating as a partner.
Project number: 101246679 · Project website
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the EACEA. Neither the European Union nor the EACEA can be held responsible for them.
