Biotechnology Approaches in AgroBioInstitute at the Service of Crop Breeding

Project Information

PLANTBIOSERV

Grant agreement ID: 229639

Project closed

Start date 1 March 2009

End date 28 February 2010

Funded under

• Specific Programme "Capacities": Research potential of Convergence Regions

Total cost € 156 813,60

EU contribution € 140 800,00

Coordinated by

AGROBIOINSTITUTE
Bulgaria

Final Report Summary - PLANTBIOSERV (Biotechnology Approaches in AgroBioInstitute at the Service of Crop Breeding)

AgroBioInstitute (ABI) is a scientific research institution, member of Agricultural Academy of Bulgaria, which implements fundamental, applied and service activities in the field of agriculture. An independent and competent evaluation of ABI's functioning in the area of plant biotechnology was implemented in the frame of project PlantBioServ, funded by EC.
Project's objectives
The main objective of the project was to provide an extensive evaluation of the activities of ABI in plant biotechnology and to offer suggestions with competence for further developing and improving its work. The main objective was achieved by evaluation of research capacity building, training and education capability; coordination and network potential and human capacity of ABI in the fileds of plant biodiversity, plant abiotic and biotic stress, and molecular genetics of plants. Description of the work carried out to achieve the project's objectives The work plan pointed in the DoW was organized in five work packages and was strongly followed to complete the implementation of the project, and to bring it to successful end and useful results. Three evaluators, nominated by EC, worked in close and permanent contact and thus gave a complete and fully valuable evaluation of ABI. The staff of ABI contributed actively to the coordination and effectiveness of the support mechanisms and accomplishment of the associated work plan.
The main results of the project
# A SWOT analysis of the AgroBioInstitute.
# An Action Plan to improve the ABI's RTD capacity with a Plan for implementaion.
# A Strategic Framework Programme (2010-2013) which defines ABI's development goals and objectives and thematic areas in which the ABI will focus it work.
The main dissemination activities
The information about the project was disseminated at national level at (1) Open Information Day (OID) for scientists and farmers and at international level on the (2) IXth meeting of International Consultative Council (ICC) organized by ABI. (3) Meetings with journalists during the conducting the project and during the OID and ICC were organized. Short communications and popular papers in English and Bulgarian were published. (4) A bilingual webpage of the project was created (www.plantbioserv.com) and will be maintained and improved by the end of 2010.
Conclusion of the project
A comprehensive and competent evaluation of plant biotechnology activities of ABI was achieved that strongly contributed to the further developing measures and enhancing the ABI's competitive level, and to the intention of ABI to prepare and participate in the next calls in Specific Program Capacities and other dedicated FP7 programs of the EU.
Potential impact and use of the project (incl. socio-economic impacts)
The results of the project have an immediate effect on the existing resources of ABI and specify new resources and skills needed to strengthen further successful ABI's development. The Action Plan offers recommendations that would result in relatively quick, visible outcomes in order to encourage further adoption and implementation of management practices and communication between team members. Implementation of the recommendations leads to improved research capacity for increased contribution to regional economic and social development and for better participation in FP7 and other international projects. The evaluation raised from the project brings the higher self-confidence of the research staff about its capability and further scientific career. The project precised the strategic needs considering both internal and external factors. The resulted summary of benefits and costs and recommendations will appear to serve as Policy Instruments related to human resources, knowledge and applied research in ABI.
Target groups for whom the results of the project could be relevant:
National and international plant research organizations, Seed Companies, Farmers, PhD and Postgraduate students, Biotech specialists, Public perception.

Related documents

• final1-229639-828196-pbs-report-new.pdf