Multiannual research and training programme (EEC) in the field of biomolecular engineering (Indirect action) (BEP), 1982-1986

Undertaken with reference to the Council Resolution of 14 January 1974 (Official Journal No C 7 of 29.1.1974) on an initial outline programme of the European Communities in the field of science and technology, this was the first Community initiative in the field of biotechnology.
To develop new technologies in the field of biomolecular engineering with a view to creating improved agricultural and bio-industrial products, determining more efficient and safer methods of production and reducing the consumption of energy by removing bottlenecks which inhibit the application of molecular and cellular biology to agriculture and the agro-food industries.
Research actions and training areas:

- Five research actions:
. Development of second generation bio-reactors for detoxification and industrial (including agro-food) applications;
. Improved production, by means of biomolecular engineering methods, of substances for animal husbandry (particularly vaccines and hormones) and agro-food industries;
. Upgrading of plant products, particularly ligno-cellulose, by means of biomolecular engineering methods;
. Improvement, by means of genetic engineering, of plants and micro-organisms which play an important role in agriculture;
. Development of methods for detecting contamination and for the assessment of possible risks associated with applications of biomolecular engineering in agriculture and industry;

- Six training areas:
. Development of new reactors using immobilized multi-enzyme systems;
. Development of bio-reactors for human detoxification;
. Transfer of genes from diverse sources to the bacterium Escherichia coli, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and other suitable organisms;
. Development of cloning systems;
. Gene transfer in micro-organisms and in plants important to agriculture;
. Improvement of methods for detecting contamination and for the assessment of possible risks associated with applications of biomolecular engineering in agriculture and industry.
The Commission, assisted by an Advisory Committee on Programme Management (ACPM) in the field of Biomolecular Engineering, was responsible for implementing the programme, which consisted of two stages, the first running from 1 April 1982 until the 1983 revision and the second from 1 January 1984 until 31 March 1986.

Information was disseminated in accordance with Regulation (EEC) No 2380/74 of 17 September 1974 (Official Journal No L 255 of 20.9.1974) adopting provisions for the dissemination of information relating to research programmes for the European Economic Community.