ERACAPS

ERA-NET for Coordinating Action in Plant Sciences (ERA-CAPS)

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Plant sciences face important challenges at the European and global scale due to a burgeoning world population that requires sustenance. Reliable production of high-quality and safe food, feed and renewable Carbon supplies for green chemistry, without the use of excess land, energy, water, pesticides and chemicals is therefore essential.

To ensure that we have the scientific understanding to again revolutionise agricultural capabilities to deliver higher yields with lower inputs in a changing climate, we propose a network focusing on Coordinating Action in Plant Sciences (ERA-CAPS). This will unite the scientific and economic capabilities of member states and enable the coordination of sustainable transnational plant science research programmes.

ERA-PG (2004-2009) successfully initiated a programme to structure the scientific and technological basis for plant genomics programmes in Europe. This has fostered the development of the common knowledge base necessary to build coherent transnational policy frameworks. However, if transnational cooperation and resolute mutual goals in the plant sciences are to be firmly embedded in national policies and processes, these foundations must be strengthened and expanded.

To bring this about ERA-CAPS will pursue the development of a common agenda for plant science in Europe and create a joint research programme. ERA-CAPS will also facilitate data management, access and sharing solutions. Through external engagement ERA-CAPS will enable interaction between researchers, funders and relevant European initiatives, and assist in the systematic exchange of information to facilitate the expansion of the network and the involvement of new members and affiliates.

Such a network will significantly help plant sciences address both current and future challenges in food and non-food crop production.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Transnational research in plant sciences has the potential to deliver high-quality food and fuel for a growing population in a secure and sustainable manner. An EU-funded initiative will deepen and enlarge European cooperation in plant sciences to address challenges in the areas of food and non-food crop production.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

The 'ERA-NET for Coordinating Action in Plant Sciences' http://www.eracaps.org (ERACAPS) project will promote collaboration in plant sciences by coordinating and funding transnational research. Consortium members will propose a joint research programme that involves a minimum of two joint calls and encourages the participation of new Member States. The consortium will also investigate mechanisms to ensure that the network is self-sustaining through sharing of best practices, funding sources, information exchange and joint activities.

Shortly after the launch of the network, a website was developed to raise awareness of ERACAPS and disseminate key information and news. An intranet for use by the consortium was also developed. A publicly available plant sciences database is now being created that will contain data from partner countries and facilitate collaboration within the molecular plant sciences community.

Close relationships with other related organisations and networks have been developed, especially with Joint Programming Initiatives (JPIs), International Steering Committee for Plant Genomics and the Global Plant Council. The launch of the first transnational call, titled 'Expanding the European Research Area in Plant Sciences', has also been realised.

Furthermore, guidelines were drawn up to advise on intellectual property rights issues for projects that will be funded through the joint call. The consortium agreement and material transfer agreement templates are under preparation. Work has also begun on developing guidance on data management issues, including a data-sharing policy and guidelines to ensure that data generated under the auspices of ERACAPS will have maximum impact.

Transnational research funded through the ERACAPS network will have a significant impact on EU citizens by reinforcing economic competitiveness and the effectiveness of public services. It will also improve citizens' quality of life and health. ERACAPS will also aid in the development of effective transnational policies through coordination at the regional, national and international levels.