Workplan
ERA-PG WORKPROGRAMME
The European Research Area Plant Genomics, ERA-PG has the ambition to further structure the plant genomics scientific and technological programmes in Europe. ERA-PG aims at improved co-ordination of national/regional plant genomics research programmes to develop the common knowledge base necessary for the coherent development of policies and the structure to use the limited resources available as efficiently as possible. Long-term perspectives in and improved validation of RTD strategies will optimize the huge investments required for plant genomics research and support EU policies with respect to competitiveness and co-ordinated response towards common European challenges.
ERA-PG builds upon the existing national plant genomics programmes in France, Germany and the UK that have been running for some years. Between the French and German national programmes joint activities have been initiated and joint projects have started. Recently, a new trilateral plant genomics programme between Germany, France and Spain has been announced and a call for joint projects has been sent out. In a number of other European countries national programmes on plant genomics have been launched or will be launched in the near future.
The existing transnational programmes show that the field is ready to create a European plant genomics network that focuses on co-ordination and co-operation in order to strenghthen the foundation of plant genomics research in Europe. This has to lead towards joint programmes that may bring Europe in a better position to face pressing and increasingly complex societal questions.
ERA-PG will be implemented by organising:
- Discussion meetings of research programme makers and programme managers
- Short-term exchange of programme managers
- Joint database of experts/advisors or respective committees/boards
- Benchmarking activities
- Exchange of best practices
- Joint studies
- Position papers
- Development of common/joint electronic communication tools
- Electronic communication portals as single entry point (linking WebPages)
- Other specific software tools (evaluation, review)
- Preparation/implementation of co-operation agreements/arrangements
ERA-PG is structured in five separate workpackages:
- Workpackage 1 aims at information exchange as basis for its establishment,
- Workpackage 2 will formulate the strategic actions aimed at its design.
- Workpackage 3 deals with the implementation of joint strategic programmes.
- Workpackage 4 will focus on structuring the future of plant genomics research in Europe.
- Workpackage 5 accommodates the Management Activities.