26/10/2026
Varthani Susruthan is a PhD studrnt at Massey University. Originally from Sri Lanka, she was drawn to New Zealand’s pasture-based dairy system, known for balancing profitability with environmental responsibility. Her research focuses on pasture ecology and management, studying plant diversity, composition, and pasture growth performance in relation to animal production and welfare.
She came to UCD as part of the International Research Mobility Exchange programme and has spent a 3 month placement between UCD Lyons Farm and Teagasc Athenry.
She reflects here of her Incredible Research Mobility Exchange in Ireland!
“This was an extraordinary 3-month research visit to Ireland, hosted at University College Dublin (UCD Lyons Farm) and Teagasc Mellows Campus in Athenry.
This experience was a fantastic opportunity to deepen my understanding of multi-species swards, sheep, and both dairy and beef cattle pastoral production systems, while gaining valuable hands-on exposure to advanced research techniques and methodologies.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this so impactful and seamless. Thank you to UCD and Teagasc for opening your facilities and sharing your expertise. A special thanks to Tommy Boland and Philip Creighton for guidance, generosity, and support during my time in Athenry and Lyons Farm. My sincere gratitude goes out to all the wonderful colleagues, researchers, and staff who guided me during my stay and generously taught me new skills and knowledge.
I am immensely grateful to Erasmust, UCD Global and the Massey Agricultural Life Sciences Travel Grant for providing the financial support that made this internationa exchange possible.
A huge thank you to my doctoral supervisory committee-Danny Donaghy, Paul Kenyon, Andrew Cartmill, Ph.D., MRSB, FHEA and Nick Sneddon-for their continuous encouragement, mentorship, and support in pursuing new academic adventures and global learning opportunities!”