The MicroBioPest project continues to pursue pathways towards impact, making progress in the development of environmentally safe microbial biopesticides as alternatives to chemical insecticides for disease vectors and agricultural pests. The project focuses on generating, integrating, and transferring knowledge with potential scientific, economic, societal, and industrial benefits. During RP2, notable progress was achieved across multiple areas, supporting these expected impacts.
Economic and Industrial Impact: By advancing the development of prototype microbial biopesticides, the project sets the stage for the commercialization of these eco-friendly solutions. Future tasks include formulating biopesticides with larval attractants and testing various combinations to prevent resistance, which are crucial steps towards market-ready products. The synergies established with the Horizon Europe Ration project ensure that the new biopesticides are safe for pollinators, addressing a key concern for both regulators and the agrochemical industry. These efforts align with the project's goal of creating a Biotech-Biopesticide Center (BIOPEST), supported by a solid business plan to ensure long-term sustainability and market competitiveness.
Societal Impact: In RP2, MicroBioPest enhanced engagement with the scientific community and the public through workshops, outreach, conferences, publications, newsletters, and press releases. Building on RP1, these efforts increased awareness of microbial biopesticides as sustainable alternatives to chemical insecticides. Workshops supported knowledge exchange and collaboration among researchers and stakeholders, strengthening the sustainable pest management community. Public engagement and media coverage improved project visibility and highlighted its societal value, fostering greater understanding, acceptance, and trust in biopesticide solutions and encouraging their broader uptake.
Towards Sustainable Research Development: The project has laid a strong foundation for sustainable research development by fostering brain gain and capacity building at IMBB. The successful application for competitive grants and the development of a comprehensive Dissemination, Exploitation, and Communication Plan (DECP) ensure that the project's outcomes are effectively communicated and utilized. The preliminary exploitation plan focuses on identifying commercially viable products, targeting potential user demographics, and exploring market opportunities, ensuring the sustainability and impact of the project's innovations.
