Pablo Augusto de Souza Fonseca
Early Career Scientist Career Development Subcommittee
Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas/Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (Spanish National Research Council / Mountain Livestock Institute)

What is your research interest? What organism do you work with, and what do you want to do in the future? 

My research focuses on developing statistical and computational tools to integrate omics and phenotypic data for evaluating complex traits in livestock species. A key area of interest is the investigation of traits that contribute to more sustainable, welfare-friendly, and higher productivity within the livestock sector. Currently, my projects concentrate on sheep and cattle, but I also collaborate with other researchers to apply the same methodologies in different species, including humans and animal models. The main objective of my research is to advance the use of machine learning algorithms for identifying biomarkers that enable more efficient, cost-effective, and accessible selection of livestock with superior genetic merit for target phenotypes. This work will emphasize the integration of explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) tools, which are designed to enhance the interpretability of machine learning models. By improving transparency and understanding of the models, XAI will facilitate more informed decision-making in livestock management. Additionally, my research aims to refine computational strategies for the analysis of high-dimensional omics data, ensuring that these tools are scalable and applicable across different livestock species and environmental conditions. The goal is to support the identification of key genetic markers and biological pathways that influence production traits, health, and resilience in livestock populations. Ultimately, this work will help improve the efficiency and sustainability of animal breeding programs while also addressing the growing challenges in food security, climate change, and animal welfare. Through these efforts, I strive to bridge the gap between cutting-edge computational methods and their practical application in the livestock industry.

As a PhD-trained scientist, you have many career options. What interests you the most? 

My primary career interest lies in academia. I currently hold a tenured position at the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) at the Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (IGM) in Spain. Securing a permanent position at a university or research institute has always been my main career goal. I have always felt a strong connection to academia and research. However, my work also necessitates close collaboration with industry, as my projects often aim to solve real-world challenges. As a result, I maintain ongoing partnerships with industry through joint projects, which have deepened my appreciation for the importance of bridging academic research with industrial applications. This experience has led me to recognize the value of trained scientists viewing industry as a significant and viable career path, as well as the critical role of industry/academia collaborations. I believe that researchers must consider industry opportunities alongside traditional academic careers, recognizing the potential for impactful contributions in both sectors.

In addition to your research, how do you want to advance the scientific enterprise? 

A primary goal of mine is to be more actively involved in mentoring and training young scientists. Over the years, I have come to appreciate the importance of providing early career scientists with the tools and guidance they need to succeed in their research journeys. I aim to create a collaborative and supportive research environment where they feel empowered to ask questions, experiment with new ideas, and grow both intellectually and professionally. My experience working with interdisciplinary teams has shown me that early career scientists benefit greatly from exposure to diverse perspectives, and I plan to continue fostering these collaborative opportunities. 

Another area where I want to make a more significant impact is in science communication and public engagement. It is crucial to bridge the gap between the scientific community and the public, ensuring that study results are communicated in an accessible and meaningful way. I have realized that effective science communication goes beyond publishing papers; it is about sharing insights with the wider community in a way that connects to real-world applications. Additionally, I am focused on improving my communication skills, both within and outside academia. As science becomes more interdisciplinary, effective communication across diverse research domains is becoming increasingly important. I aim to enhance my ability to communicate complex scientific concepts clearly, both to academic audiences and to stakeholders in industry and policy, ensuring that my research reaches a broader audience and has a greater impact. 

As a leader within the Genetics Society of America, what do you hope to accomplish? 

As a leader within GSA, I aim to foster an environment that encourages both professional and personal growth for its members, while also enhancing the impact of the Society within the broader scientific community. One of my key goals is to help strengthen GSA as a platform for collaboration, learning, and innovation. The rich environment provided by the Society offers unique opportunities for interdisciplinary exchange and collective problem-solving, which is essential for advancing the field of genetics. I hope to create initiatives that promote the integration of diverse research areas within genetics, facilitating collaboration between members working on various aspects of the field. Furthermore, I want to prioritize the mentorship and professional development of early career scientists within the Society, which provides a unique platform to foster the next generation of geneticists through networking, skill-building, and career development. As a leader, I would advocate for mentorship programs and initiatives that provide young researchers with the resources and support they need to navigate their academic and professional paths. I also hope to champion the inclusion of underrepresented groups in the genetics field, ensuring that GSA remains an accessible and welcoming space for everyone. On a personal level, I view my leadership role within GSA as an opportunity for growth. The Society’s collaborative environment is a rich resource for learning and exchange, and I hope to further develop my leadership, communication, and organizational skills. Engaging with a diverse group of researchers and scientists will allow me to broaden my perspectives, refine my scientific approach, and contribute more effectively to advancing genetics research. Ultimately, I hope to leave a lasting impact on GSA by fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, while also growing personally and professionally in an environment that thrives on knowledge-sharing and collective progress.

Previous leadership experience

I have previous leadership experience advising three undergraduate students on their final course projects and two graduate students. Currently, I am advising two graduate students and three PhD students. In terms of projects, I serve as the principal investigator for one European project and another at the national level in Spain. Additionally, I have led consulting activities in collaboration with industry partners.

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