23 October 2006
010/2006
Report "Survey on Future Plant Research Activities in Europe "
The Report "Survey on Future Plant Research Activities in Europe" is online at http://bioinformatics.psb.ugent.be/FPRA/.
The survey aimed to map the aspirations of scientists onto the strategic objectives laid out in the Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) of the Technology Platform “Plants for the Future”, a long term vision of the major contributions plant science can make to future knowledge-based bio-economies.
The survey requested a short description that allowed the planned research to be categorised according to the objectives of the SRA. The scale and detail of the responses was an important demonstration of the readiness and capabilities of the plant science community in Europe to respond to future challenges and contribute to building a strong knowledge- based bioeconomy based on plants as the principal sustainable source of food, feed, materials and energy.
Next steps
To provide information on research topics (i) for which the science community is ready to start in the coming 1-2 years and (ii) for those identified as gaps that need further preparatory support before the research could be started, the analysis of the survey is provided to the EC and other European and national research bodies.
It may help structure the work programmes of the initial stages of Framework Programme 7 and provide information to national and regional research bodies which they might find useful for their research policy and plans.
As a first and important conclusion it is recommended in the report to organize a series of workshops to address the identified gaps at European level. In order to accomplish this important activity, the Technology Platform kindly asks you to strongly support the addition of a Support Action to the FP7 FAB Workprogram 1, call 1, “Addressing the gap between SRA and the preparedness of the scientific community” – Towards implementing the SRA.
In parallel, the Technology Platform will develop a mechanism to encourage discussions between European and National research that promote the implementation of the Strategic Research Agenda.
Contact: Karin Metzlaff, European Plant Science Organisation, EPSO, Executive Director
4 October 2006
009/2006
BBSRC news item "International awards boost crop science research"
http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/media/pressreleases/06_09_21_inra_awards.htmlThree new crop science awards worth over £2M have been made by a unique Anglo-French partnership between the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), set up to encourage international collaboration.
The aim of the four-year projects is to draw on the complementary experience and field expertise of researchers in the UK and France, to help translate basic plant science research into practical information for crop and agronomic improvements. BBSRC is investing £1.6 million in the three projects with INRA providing a similar level of support in their institutes.
The new projects are being undertaken by three university and institute consortia, the first is the University of Cambridge, Rothamsted Research, INRA Grignon and INRA Rennes, the second is the University of York and INRA Montpellier and the third is the University of Nottingham, the John Innes Centre, Rothamsted Research, INRA Clermont-Ferrand and INRA Mons-Peronne.
BBSRC and INRA joined forces last year to support crop science following a recommendation made in the BBSRC Crop Science review that the UK community should increase collaboration with European partners. These are the first three projects to receive funding following the review.
Professor Julia Goodfellow, BBSRC Chief Executive, said:" Collaborative programmes such as these are crucial in furthering our
knowledge of crop science. With climate change, changing food demands and the emergence of new pests and diseases, the need to work with international partners to maximise information sharing and effective use of resources is greater than ever. "
Contact
BBSRC Media Office
Matt Goode, Tel: 01793 413299, email: matt.goode@bbsrc.ac.uk Tracey
Jewitt, Tel: 01793 414694, email: tracey.jewitt@bbsrc.ac.uk
Dr Héléne Lucas, Tel: 01 30 83 34 73, email: dgap@versailles.inra.fr
INRA Press Office
Sylvie Colleu, Tel: 01 42 75 91 69, email: sylvie.colleu@paris.inra.fr
The three projects which have been awarded the grants are:
Epidemiological and evolutionary models for invasion and persistence
of disease Researchers from the University of Cambridge, Rothamsted Research, INRA Grignon and INRA Rennes will look at how a combination of mathematical modelling and experimental techniques can be used to predict and manage evolutionary changes in pathogen populations in order to prevent disease invasion in crops.
Potassium transport and compartmentation in cereals; improving plant
potassium nutrition and tolerance to abiotic stress Researchers from the University of York and INRA Montpellier will examine the genes involved in the transport of sodium and potassium in barley and rice to explore whether a greater understanding of their mechanisms may help develop improved crop varieties which are then more able to grow in poor soil conditions.
Traits and markers to reduce the nitrogen requirement of wheat
Researchers from the University of Nottingham, the John Innes Centre, Rothamsted Research, INRA Clermont-Ferrand and INRA Mons-Peronne will examine the traits a nd genes which enable some wheat varieties to produce more yield with less nitrogen, with the aim of discovering how farmers may be able to use less nitrogen fertiliser in the future.
BBSRC commissioned a review of Crop Science, published in 2004 and one of the findings of the review was that BBSRC should take the lead in the development of international programmes.
The Crop Science Review can be found at: www.bbsrc.ac.uk/about/pub/reports/crop_sci_review12_05_04.pdf
About BBSRC
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) is the UK funding agency for research in the life sciences. Sponsored by Government, BBSRC annually invests around £350 million in a wide range of research that makes a significant contribution to the quality of life for UK citizens and supports a number of important industrial stakeholders including the agriculture, food, chemical, healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk
About INRA
For 60 years, INRA has been developing research in the areas of agriculture, food and nutrition and the environment, with an eye to social issues and a focus on excellence. The Institute has produced knowledge and innovations which initially contributed to the modernisation of French agriculture after the war and then accompanied the expansion of the agri-food industry in the 1960-70's. INRA committed itself to the construction of European research 20 years ago and has since strengthened its international partnerships. Research topics, methods and professions have changed considerably in order to adapt to the complexity of today's research priorities that often require multidisciplinary approaches, adapted to the study of a global production system and worldwide exchanges, with the pooling of research expertise within the framework of partnership structures. http://www.international.inra.fr
23 October 2006
008/2006
Report "Survey on Future Plant Research Activities in Europe "
The Report "Survey on Future Plant Research Activities in Europe" is online at http://bioinformatics.psb.ugent.be/FPRA/.
The survey aimed to map the aspirations of scientists onto the strategic objectives laid out in the Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) of the Technology Platform “Plants for the Future”, a long term vision of the major contributions plant science can make to future knowledge-based bio-economies.
The survey requested a short description that allowed the planned research to be categorised according to the objectives of the SRA. The scale and detail of the responses was an important demonstration of the readiness and capabilities of the plant science community in Europe to respond to future challenges and contribute to building a strong knowledge- based bioeconomy based on plants as the principal sustainable source of food, feed, materials and energy.
Next steps
To provide information on research topics (i) for which the science community is ready to start in the coming 1-2 years and (ii) for those identified as gaps that need further preparatory support before the research could be started, the analysis of the survey is provided to the EC and other European and national research bodies.
It may help structure the work programmes of the initial stages of Framework Programme 7 and provide information to national and regional research bodies which they might find useful for their research policy and plans.
As a first and important conclusion it is recommended in the report to organize a series of workshops to address the identified gaps at European level. In order to accomplish this important activity, the Technology Platform kindly asks you to strongly support the addition of a Support Action to the FP7 FAB Workprogram 1, call 1, “Addressing the gap between SRA and the preparedness of the scientific community” – Towards implementing the SRA.
In parallel, the Technology Platform will develop a mechanism to encourage discussions between European and National research that promote the implementation of the Strategic Research Agenda.
Contact: Karin Metzlaff, European Plant Science Organisation, EPSO, Executive Director
29 August 2006
007/2006
Survey on possible transnational research in plant science in Europe - Draft report online
Academic and industrial scientists in Europe are invited to contribute to a survey of current and possible future trans-national collaborative research activities in Europe relevant to plant science. The results of this survey will help the EC formulate Work Programmes for the first two calls in FP7 and help the ERA-PG national funding agencies to identify new areas for possible trans-national funding. Therefore YOUR contributions to this survey will be very important for gaining more support for plant research in Europe.
The survey is conducted by EPSO for the European Technology Platform "Plants for the Future".
We would like to thank all stakeholders that submitted to this research survey. In total 290 submissions were received, of which 275 transnational proposals. The 4 panels analysing the submissions have finished their work and the draft report is available. It is foreseen to publish the final report on the site end September 2006. Any feed back to the draft report should be sent to Madec@psb.ugent.be by 1st September 2006.
All information at http://bioinformatics.psb.ugent.be/FPRA/
31 May 2006
006/2006
"Your input: Survey on possible transnational research in plant science in Europe - Launch 24 May - Close 23 June"
Academic and industrial scientists in Europe are invited to contribute to a survey of current and possible future trans-national collaborative research activities in Europe relevant to plant science. The results of this survey will help the EC formulate Work Programmes for the first two calls in FP7 and help the ERA-PG national funding agencies to identify new areas for possible trans-national funding. Therefore YOUR contributions to this survey will be very important for gaining more support for plant research in Europe.
The survey is conducted by EPSO for the European Technology Platform "Plants for the Future".
Launch 24 May 2006 - Close 23 June 2006
All information at http://bioinformatics.psb.ugent.be/FPRA/ (from 25th May on electronic submission forms at that site)
(link to bioinformatics website)
For the Survey text see pdf attached to this newsitem
21 April 2006
005/2006
ETNA - European Training and Networking Activity
Summer School Plant Genomics and Bioinformatics, September 20-29, 2006. Potsdam, Germany.Special focus 2006: Metabolite Profiling and Data Analysis.The fundamental idea of ETNA is to build up a network on plant genome research and bioinformatics all over Europe including third countries. ETNA organizes a yearly summer school course pursuing the training aspect, the exchange of ideas and the creation of an active and living network between European scientists, research organizations and research programs. The planned networking and training activity courses will combine the latest theoretical knowledge with practical lessons.
During the courses target groups of approx. 16 young and interested researchers from all over Europe will come together. An annual brochure containing lectures and experimental protocols will maximize the knowledge transfer to a wider group of interested scientists.
The special focus of the summer school course in September 2006 is metabolite profiling and the necessary data analysis (from raw data to publishable results). Please feel free to indicate your general interest in participating the summer course by sending an email to the head of the German plant genomic research program GABI, Dr. Jens Freitag: freitag@mpimp-golm.mpg.de
ETNA is an training activity of the ERA-Net Plant Genomics.
Program at http://www.eu-summer-school.org
4 April 2006
004/2006
The Plant Science Conference in Europe!
3rd EPSO Conference: "Plant Dynamics: from Molecules to Ecosystems"
Visegrád, Hungary, May 28 - June 1 2006
http://www.epsoweb.org/catalog/Conf2006.htm
Deadlines:
Abstract submission for selection for oral presentation: 31 March 2006
Abstract submission: 15 April 2006
Final Registration: 15 April 2006
Aim: The theme of our 3rd Conference is "Plant Dynamics: from Molecules to Ecosystems". Scientists from Europe and other continents present & discuss cutting edge science. Together with non-plant scientists they build an interface to new areas. Representatives from academia, industry, consumers and politics discuss socially relevant topics.
Topics: PLANT SCIENCE IN EUROPE; THE DYNAMIC GENOME: Genome evolution/comparative genomics, Non-coding RNAs, Chromatin remodelling/epigenetic control; PLANT SCIENCE & SOCIETY: Industrial applications of plant science; THE DYNAMIC PLANT - GROWTH and DEVELOPMENT: Cell division, cell growth and organ development, Transitions in plant development; RESPONDING TO THE DYNAMIC ENVIRONMENT: Light and other abiotic stresses, Hormones, Protein Dynamics, Plant-microbe interactions; THE DYNAMIC POPULATION: natural habitats / crops, Biodiversity, Population dynamics, ecology
Program at http://www.epsoweb.org/catalog/Conf2006.htm
Speakers: About 2/3 of the speakers are invited, additional speakers will be selected from submitted abstracts.
Confirmed Chairs & Invited Speakers by March 23rd, 2006: David Baulcombe, Phil Benfey, Michael Bevan, Joy Bergelson, Miklós Boda, Philippe Busquin, Caroline Dean, Xing-Wang Deng, Rob DeSalle, Marcel Dicke, Xinnian Dong, Dénes Dudits, Pierre de Wit, Christian Fankhauser, Pamela Green, Ueli Grossniklaus, Manuel Hallen, Christian Hardtke, Hanjo Hellmann, Herman Höfte, Stefan Jansson, Tatsuo Kakimoto, Stefan Kepinski, György Botond Kiss, Sandy Knapp, Cris Kuhlemeier, Christian Lexer, Michiel van Lookeren Campagne, Rob Martienssen, Karin Metzlaff, Michele Morgante, Ove Nilsson, Magnus Nordborg, Bruce Osborne, Vincent Pétiard, Salomé Prat, Peter Quail, Ralf-Michael Schmidt, Paul Schulze-Lefert, Chris Sommerville, Marja Timmermans, Jan Traas, Hanna Tuomisto, Richard Vierstra, E. Szilveszter Vizi, Olivier Voinnet, Ying Wang, Detlef Weigel, Marc Zabeau and Dani Zamir.
Organising Committee: Michael Bevan, Paolo Costantino, Denes Dudits (coordinator), Wilhelm Gruissem, Hélène Lucas, Karin Metzlaff, Kirsi-Marja Oksman-Caldentey, Mark Stitt, Erkki Truve, Pierre de Wit, Marc Zabeau.
Registration: The number of participants is limited to 300. Online registration Application at http://www.epsoweb.org/catalog/Conf2006.htm. Registration deadline is 15/04/2006.
Poster Availability and Selection of Oral Presentations: Poster rooms foreseen at the conference. Deadlines Abstract Submission: for oral presentation selection: 31 March 2006; for posters only: 15 April 2006.
Sponsors & Exhibitors: Please contact us if you are an interested sponsor or exhibitor. List of sponsors available at: http://www.epsoweb.org/catalog/conf2006/sponsors.htm
Contact organizers at: EPSO - Technologiepark 927 - 9052 Gent - Belgium - Tel/Fax. +32-9-3313810/11 - epso@psb.ugent.be - www.epsoweb.org
3 April 2006
003/2006
15th Crucifer Genetics Workshop: Brassica 20
Wageningen, The Netherlands
30 September - 4 October 2006
The 2006 Crucifer Genetics Workshop is poised to be the meeting ground between the rich colourful history of Crucifer crops and modern trends in comparative and translational genomics. Crucifer species offer a unique biological resource that contributes to the world economy and human health. The tremendous diversity of Crucifers is seen in the range of domesticated crop products utilized in the form of leaves, stems, flowers, roots and seed.
The diversity in Crucifer genomes and gene functions can be traced back to their close relative Arabidopsis, the model plant whose gene functions are planned to be deciphered by the year 2010. The complexities of Crucifer genome evolution will soon be given a structural framework by the initiation of the Brassica rapa genome sequencing project. This is supported by the ongoing development of other genomics and genetics resources ranging from mapping populations to ESTs, microarrays and convenient marker systems. This genomic information will then be the key to exploit knowledge gained at the level of gene expression, metabolism, plant protection, nutrition and health.
The Crucifer Genetics Workshop promises to provide a taste of the future of Crucifers!
Website: http://www.crucifergenetics2006.org/
3 April 2006
002/2006
European Science Foundation Call for EUROCORES themes 2006
The ESF Call for EUROCORES themes 2006 is now open. The ESF is inviting well developed proposals for new EUROCORES Programmes (EUROCORES themes) with the deadline of 1 June 2006 (midnight).
For information about the European Science Foundiation see http://www.esf.org
For information about the EUROCORES Call for theme proposals as well as the frequently asked questions (FAQ) are available as pdf. files on the following web page: http://www.esf.org/eurocores
What is a EUROCORES theme proposal?
EUROCORES themes are ideas for new EUROCORES Programmes, so a theme proposal is
the first step to develop a new EUROCORES Programme. The themes are generated
annually through a Call for theme proposals (deadline 1 June) from the European research
community and/or national funding or research performing organisations. Through a rigorous
peer-review process, a number of the submitted proposals will be selected for further
development. Pending the viability of these selected themes in terms of adequate interest
and commitment for participation from ESF’s Member Organisations, these ideas will be
launched into new EUROCORES Programmes.
11 January 2006
001/2006
XV FESPB Congress: "Plant, People, Ecosystems and Applications"
Lyon, France, July 17 - 21, 2006
http://www.FESPB2006.org
The objective of the XVth FESPB congress centres on the integration of classical plant physiology with the approaches offered by functional genomics, biotechnology and emerging skills under the theme:"Plants, People, Ecosystems and Applications." Scientists from Europe and other continents will present & discuss cutting edge plant science. The congress will highlight research in model organisms and its application to crop plants. Human health-related topics to be covered will include food safety, pharmaceuticals and "molecular farming". Industrial subjects for discussion will include competitiveness in the agro-food industry and the production of biomaterials and energy from plants. The Congress will also cover environmental topics including biodiversity, conservation and ecology. Representatives from academia, industry, consumers and politics discuss socially relevant topics.
 | TP announcement survey may 2006.pdf With item 006/2006 | 60 KB |
| ETNA_handout1.pdf With item 005/2006 | 2414 KB |
| 2nd announcement FESPB.pdf With item 001/2006 | 1577 KB |