Periodic Reporting for period 1 - AGenT (Agricultural Genomics Transversal Postdoctoral Program)
Reporting period: 2021-05-01 to 2023-04-30
The AGenT (Agricultural Genomics Transversal) postdoctoral program is an ambitious research and training initiative at the Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG; Barcelona) designed to conduct multidisciplinary and intersectorial research projects at CRAG in conjunction with associated partner organizations (private companies, research centres and academic institutions), both national and international. The program will offer twenty (20) two-year postdoctoral fellowships, and provide ample opportunities for: secondments and research collaborations; training both in specific research areas and in transferable or transversal skills; and networking activities in both the academic and the industrial sectors; all in order to enrich the training of the fellows and enhance their professional development while conducting projects of research of excellence. The AGenT proposal is a major initiative for CRAG that aims to leverage the capacities of CRAG and those of the partner institutions to develop a high-impact training program for Experienced Researchers in the area of plant and agricultural sciences.
During the first 24 months of the AGenT programme, CRAG has recruited 14 postdoctoral researchers in three different calls. The recruited AGenT fellows have benefited from: 1) multidisciplinary and translational research projects developed in a "Severo Ochoa" Center of Excellence; 2) training in both research-related and transversal skills; and 3) extended networking, both international and intersectoral, through their secondments and collaborations and additional institutional actions. As part of their training programme the AGenT fellows have participated in multiple outreach activities to disseminate their AGenT research projects to the society.
The AGenT programme is a major initiative that aims to leverage the capacities of CRAG and those of the partner institutions to develop a high-impact training program for postdoctoral researchers in the area of plant and agricultural sciences. The AGenT program will improve career prospects for plant and farm animal researchers in Europe; contribute to the training of future leaders in these areas; support research of excellence and boost the research capacity and international visibility of CRAG and its collaborating institutions; strengthen the European Research Area in the field of plant and agricultural sciences; and support advancing research in topics of high social impact and of importance for the UN Sustainable Development Goals.