Objective The project provides advanced systems biology training for 5 ESRs who will develop novel methods for increasing crop strength and resistance to stress by alternative genetic and genomic, non-GMO, technologies: (1) Selecting allelic variants of a novel gene identified by members of the consortium which regulates oxidative and abiotic stress tolerance and (2) Molecular priming by biostimulants or low doses of H2O2 to induce stress-protective mechanisms in crops. This dual approach will meet the growing EU push towards secure, sustainable and safe means of food production (Dir.2009/128/EC & EU Reg. EC/178/2002). The genetic approaches are combined with high-throughput technologies for transcriptome, metabolome, and phenotypic analyses, combined with advanced bioinformatics. Both approaches to increasing crop yield are growing in importance, with the biostimulants industry expected to reach $2.2B globally by 2018. Equipping ESRs with these skills will enable them to develop their research careers in academia or industry. Training will be conducted at the University of Potsdam (UP, Coordinator), Germany, and two companies: BioAtlantis (BA), Ireland, and Enza Zaden (EZ), The Netherlands. Prof. B. Mueller-Roeber (UP) has extensive research management and teaching experience and will supervise the ESRs as PhD students. BA is internationally recognized for producing innovative biostimulants and has 3 patents filed, while EZ is among the top ten in vegetable breeding worldwide. All partners have experience in coordination and participation in EU FP7 projects. The expected results will increase our understanding of the molecular basis of stress tolerance and provide two alternative strategies for crop improvement and increasing food production. BA and EZ will ensure rapid dissemination of applied research to end users. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesmolecular biologymolecular geneticsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsproteomicsagricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesagriculturehorticulturevegetable growingagricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesagricultureagronomyplant breeding Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.1. - Fostering new skills by means of excellent initial training of researchers Topic(s) MSCA-ITN-2014-EID - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Networks (ITN-EID) Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-ITN-2014 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-ITN-EID - European Industrial Doctorates Coordinator UNIVERSITAET POTSDAM Net EU contribution € 747 649,44 Address AM NEUEN PALAIS 10 14469 Potsdam Germany See on map Region Brandenburg Brandenburg Potsdam Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 747 649,44 Participants (2) Sort alphabetically Sort by Net EU contribution Expand all Collapse all ENZA ZADEN RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT BV Netherlands Net EU contribution € 255 374,28 Address HALING 1 E 1602 DB Enkhuizen See on map Region West-Nederland Noord-Holland Kop van Noord-Holland Activity type Other Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 255 374,28 BIOATLANTIS LIMITED Ireland Net EU contribution € 265 674,60 Address CLASH INDUSTRIAL ESTATE V92 RWV5 TRALEE KERRY See on map SME The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed. Yes Region Ireland Southern South-West Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 265 674,60
