SOILdarity raised FC.ID and CIÊNCIAS’s research excellence in areas like digital agriculture, variable rate technologies, sustainable management of soils, and wastewater management for agriculture. The project is contributing to train researchers, and ensure short term staff exchanges, and institutional positioning at international level. This is likely to result in an increase of publications in peer-reviewed journals and an increase of international competitiveness as foreseen in the GA. From the developed during the period under evaluation we conclude that the twinning exercise is strengthening FC.ID and CIÊNCIAS’s research capacities in soil sciences, wastewater management and precision agriculture for sustainable use of the precious soil and water resources, to meet the challenge of effectively advising the government and providing guidance to the key stakeholders in the country.
The main contribution of SOILdarity was to consolidate FC.ID and CIÊNCIAS’s status as a leading research centre in the field of soil management and protection and its positioning within the European research landscape. In qualitative terms, SOILdarity is contributing to a higher level of soft skill e.g. self-confidence, self-discipline in research etc. for the researchers at FC.ID and CIÊNCIAS.
In this reporting period SOILdarity has developed the following activities:
2 research training activities on paper and proposal writing, knowledge transfer, project funding, and formulating of joint research project proposals .
3 specialized multi-module training activities: “Optimisation of the use of treated waste waters as a source for alternative fertilisers”, “Soil ecology in dry ecosystems” and “Use of sensor-based technology to measure soil fertility parameters”, of which implemented the course “Optimisation of the use of treated waste waters as a source for alternative fertilizers”.
3 webinars on: 1) How to develop soil monitoring programs to support the agenda 20-30; 2) Soil fertility in salt affected areas; and 3) Re-forestation as a way to improve soil quality.
3 virtual training courses “Virtual training programme on upgrading administrative skills” addressed to FC.ID and Ciências’ administration staff to consolidate their research management capacities and administrative skills.
1 tailored PhD program enrolling 3 PhD students.
15 short term scientific missions
Submitted more than 10 project proposals at the EU level (including one developed by the ESR), of which 4 were approved (ECHO, SOILL, Forest4EU, agPPe).
Published 8 manuscripts in the framework of SOIldarity
Promoted awareness events, one in Brussels.
Participated in several conferences and seminars targeting at distinct audiences.
