SUSTOIL
DEVELOPING ADVANCED BIOREFINERY SCHEMES FOR INTEGRATION INTO EXISTING OIL PRODUCTION/TRANSESTERIFICATION PLANTS.
General objectives
The aim of SUSTOIL is to develop advanced biorefinery schemes to convert whole EU oil-rich crops (rapeseed, olive and sunflower) into energy (fuels, power and heat), food and bioproducts (chemicals and/or materials) making optimal uses of the side streams generated during farming/harvesting, primary processing (e.g. oil extraction and refining) and secondary processing (e.g. transesterification).
Role of the andalusian partner
Several international conferences and meetings.
Impact
Preparation of new projects, some have been already submitted to the FP7.
CATTLECON-IKTA
IMPROVING, TRANSFERENCE AND APPLICABILITY OF KNOWLEDGE IN CONSERVATION AND CHARACTERIZATION TECHNOLOGIES IN CATTLE BREEDS FROM EGYPT AND THE IBERIAN PENINSULA.
The main objective of this proposal is the creation of a critical mass of researchers and technicians in the context of the European-Nears Eastern countries specialized in the conservation and use of the cattle genetic heritage for sustainable practices of rural development. It will be implemented under four key strategies:
1.- Creation of a permanent network of laboratories in Portugal, Spain and Egypt for the exchange and updating of information regarding the characterization, conservation and use of local cattle breeds, with special remarks on molecular and genomic technologies.
2.- Organization of a three level training course: capacity building, graduate and postgraduate. All focused on three subject directly related to our main objective:
– Fundamentals of the genetic conservation and improvement of local cattle breeds.
– Molecular and genomic tools applicable in the conservation and improvement of local cattle breeds.
– Transference of knowledge to the cattle subsector, taking into account concepts of food security and food sovereignty.
3.- High level training of researchers on the topics related to the use of new molecular and genomic technologies in the characterization, conservation, improvement and use of local cattle breeds. It will take place by means of a Master and PhD training using excellence programs such as » Zootechnique and sustainable management» in the University of Cordoba (Spain); advanced post-graduate courses and local training in INRB’ (Portugal) and «Characterization of local cattle breeds» in the University of Ain Shams (Egypt). This will imply the movement of students and professors among the nations involved.
4.- Creation of a training platform on the Internet. We will create an interactive platform in a specific Internet dominium, where the contents of the training courses will be permanently updated. The objective is to have a grounding to develop «long distance «courses to spread the contents of this proposal as far as possible.
General Objectives
1. To favor the building capacity of high level groups of young researchers from the Iberian Peninsula and Egypt on the methodologies applied for the better management of local cattle breeds.
2. Creation of a permanent network of research groups.
3. Upgrading building capacity.
Role of andalusian partner
Creation of a permanent network of research groups.
Our first task will be the identification of research groups already working in the conservation and genetic improvement of local cattle breeds in Portugal, Spain and Egypt. The basic core of the network will be made up of the groups integrated in the consortium involved in the proposal. They will be responsible for the design and development of an inquiry to list the characteristics of the research groups of every nation involved in the proposal.
We intend to ensure the sustainability of the network after the end of the project, so that other members and groups can be invited to integrate the network.
The main objective of this network will be the development of training materials regarding the local reality in the subjects of conservation and genetic improvement of local cattle breeds. Presently most of the information used in the training centers of the Mediterranean area is of general nature and not particularly specific to the region. It is necessary to carry out the identification, organization and dissemination of local materials to improve the quality of the local human resources dedicated to the aforementioned activities.
This action will be developed during the first six months of the project.
Upgrading building capacity of human resources in applied methodologies for conservation and improvement. In the previous two tasks a large quantity of teaching material will be put at the disposal of all national partners regarding the objectives of conservation and genetic improvemen of local cattle breeds.
Two training courses on conservation, genetic improvement and valuation of local cattle breeds will be organized within the present project. The first one will be held during the 12th month of the project in Córdoba (Spain) and the second one during the 36th month in Santarem (Portugal).
EADGENE_S
STRENGTHENING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF DURABLE INTEGRATION OF EADGENE
General Objectives
By integrating the key European teams in genomics, bioinformatics, animal health and animal models, EADGENE has enabled:
– The gathering of a critical mass of scientists and a unique access of complementary resources across host and pathogen models.
– The development of innovative functional genomics so that it has become a powerful tool in veterinary molecular medicine and has contributed to a better understanding of host-pathogen interactions, for the improvement of animal health and food safety.
Building from these benefits, EADGENE_S will ensure a long-term integration of the European resources in animal disease genomics grouping together the leading institutions. It will strengthen durably the creation of a core group of European research centres of excellence highly committed to integrating their resources and national facilities. To achieve this, EADGENE_S will:
(1) Expend, share and upgrade common research tools and platforms for joint research projects.
(2) Further develop common research methods, standards and protocols.
(3) Maintain, consolidate and further develop high quality common research projects on animal genomics and genetics in Europe.
(4) Support strategies for durable integration, particularly by providing opportunities for further funding.
(5) Consolidate the skills and expertise throughout the partnership with a programme of workshops, training courses, short-term missions, internships and studentships.
(6) Provide platforms for the development, management and dissemination of knowledge.
(7) Ensure efficient technology transfer to the industry to ensure timely commercialisation newest developments.
This integration will be fulfilled under the framework of the European Research Group EADGENE (EADGENE ERG), a co-operation instrument composed of the EADGENE members as represented by their respective participating research departments.
Role of the andalusian partner
– To identify genes, gene products and pathways involved in host-pathogen interactions with the highest potential impact for improving animal health and decresing risks to humans.
– To identify standards and procedures for the monitoring and control of pathogens, and the risks caused by such pathogens.
– To identify and evaluate genomics tools and strategies for the control of pathogens affecting animal health and risks to humans.
Impact
The European Animal Disease Genomics Group for Animal Health and FoodSafety (EADGENE ERG) coordinates a genomics approach to the unravelling of host-pathogen interactions, thereby providing the basic knowledge necessary for the development of new or improved therapeutics and vaccines, improved diagnostics, and the breeding of farm animals for disease resistance. This research will impact upon human health and lifestyle choices by concentrating on pathogens of importance in the food chain and will help ensure that Europe retains its status as a world leader in animal health for years to come.
PARAVAC
VACCINES AGAINST HELMINTH INFECTIONS.
General Objectives
The aim is:
1) Development and delivery of vaccines against the parasites of livestock of high economic and/or public health importance specifically gastrointestinal nematodes, lungworms, liver fluke, and Echinococcus granulosus.
2) Characterisation of Protective Immune Responses to these parasites to inform vaccine delivery.
3) Knowledge exchange and training of scientists and veterinarians in participating developing countries in the characterisation of immune responses, vaccine technology and application.
4) Outreach to farming organisations and other stakeholder groups in both developed and developing participating countries with a view to paving the way for early adopters of new vaccine technology.
Role of the andalusian partner
1.- Coordination project training programme.
2.- Housed vaccine trials against F. hepatica in sheep.
3.- Pathological studies of fields vaccine trials against F. hepatica conducted by other partners.
Impact
Livestock production efficiency is impaired by worm infections which are ubiquitous in cattle, sheep and goats world-wide. These cause severely debilitating gastro-intestinal, respiratory or liver disorders, dependent on the infecting species. Control of these parasites relies almost exclusively on the use of drugs, a solution threatened by the global emergence of worm strains which are no longer affected by these chemicals. An alternative, greener and more sustainable approach is to control these infestations by vaccination, but, with one exception, there are no commercial vaccines available for any of these parasites.
REDSIM
REMOTE-SENSING BASED DSS FOR SUSTAINABLE DROUGHT-ADAPTED IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT.
To improve Irrigation Water Productivity (IWP) in water-stressed watersheds, by developing and validating an Information-Decision Support System (REDSIM-IS) based on Remote sensing (RS) information and simplified water balance and crop models to assist growers in implementing and managing efficiently deficit irrigation (DI) techniques.
General Objectives
The most relevant result to be expected from REDSIM is a wider adoption of good irrigation management practices (through the REDSIM information system) and environmentally sound irrigation strategies (Deficit irrigation). It is worth noting that the positive impact of REDSIM on water productivity will be obtained at a very low cost, as far as the basic information (remote sensing data, ground weather station) are freely provided by regional (IMIDA), national (AEMET) or international (NASA, ESRIN, ESA) organisations
QUIPROD
Quercus Ilex proteomic studies on the germination and early seedling growth under drought stress.
Proteomics is a high-throughput approach which could provide comprehensive understanding of complex developmental processes. Holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) is a dominant tree in Mediterranean natural communities. Oak seeds are recalcitrant. Seed proteome and germination under stress are studied predominantly in cereals and model plants, with scant information about forest species.
General Objects
This project aims at studying the germination and early seedling growth in Holm oak at the proteome level, especially how these processes are affected by drought. Emphasis will be made on phosphorylation and ubiquitination as major posttranslational modifications (PTM). Proteome analysis will be complemented with data at metabolite and transcript level and with cytochemical observations.
Role of the andalusian partner
METHODOLOGY: Holistic and targeted approaches will be combined.
Holistic approach – by using 2-DE coupled to MS, changes in the protein and some PTM profiles will be analyzed. The workflow includes: sampling, protein extraction, separation (1-D/2-DE), gel staining, image capture and analysis, MS of spots, protein identification. PTM will be detected by specific staining or western blot. Appropriate statistical analysis, algorithms, databases and repositories will be used.
Targeted approach -the oxidative status of the tissues will be monitored and more detailed analysis of some proteins of interest will be performed at transcript level. Analyses at metabolite level will include carbohydrates (ethanol extraction, GC-MS), aminoacid derivates (ethanol extraction, HPLC quantification), some secondary metabolites (GC or HPLC). Histochemical staining for carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, and H2O2 will also be performed.
Impact
EXPECTED RESULTS: To gain deeper knowledge of the response to drought in a recalcitrant seed producing tree species at the earliest developmental stages. The relevance of specific PTMs will be evaluated. Proteomic data will be validated by complementary targeted studies.
INBIOSOIL
INBIOSOIL Innovative biological products for soil pest control
INBIOSOIL will explore in detail the recently discovered synergistic effects between entomopathogenic fungi (EPFs), entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), and semiochemicals by developing innovative co-formulations, making use of strategies derived from nature. These co-formulations will be based on capsules containing new strains of EPFs (Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana) in combination with strains of EPNs (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora), or semiochemicals. Additionally, INBIOSOIL will develop integrated pest management (IPM) strategies that exploit synergies between these biocontrol agents and semiochemicals, independently of the newly developed formulations, which are based on existing formulations of biological control agents (BCAs) named above.
These activities will result in two prototypes of improved formulations containing either EPF biomass and co-formulated EPFs and/or efficiency enhancing agents (EEAs), in accordance with the milestones proposed at project month 24 and 36, respectively. The novel formulations aim at overcoming the drawbacks in the application of BCAs like EPF, e.g. handling and low shelf life. Furthermore these formulations will allow for protection of sensitive biomass from biotic and abiotic stress factors, for slow/controlled release into the soil resp. rhizosphere from a „depot» controlled by environmental conditions and formulation material properties. Additionally these formulations will improve establishment of mycelium in soil, enhance efficacy and reduce application costs due to a decreased number of applications. The development of novel formulations proposed by INBIOSOIL will include screening for innovative bio-polymeres based on sustainable raw materials as opposed to conventionally used chemical pesticides and synthetic polymers, whose production is ultimately based on mineral oil.
General Objectives
Both researchers and SMEs industrial partners have identified EPF and EPN strains targeting a number of subterranean pests addressed above.
The project will generate risk assessment data to accelerate registration and reassure stakeholders of the safety of these environmentally friendly agents and strategies. In order to obtain a measurable footprint of the INBIOSOIL products, environmental effects will be assessed. For safety as well as commercial reasons it is important to gain knowledge on the fate and behavior of applied formulations in the environment. Regulators need to know if the inoculums builds up with successive applications of the formulations or returns to background levels and if there are effects on non-targets and/or the food chain. Growers need to know how quickly the inoculum levels decline before they have to reapply the agent. INBIOSOIL will provide methods and tools to monitor formulations and generate data on the fate and effects of formulations, including persistence in the soil.
• risk and cost benefit analysis;
• fine tuning of IPM strategies;
• harmonization of monitoring, quality control checks on BCAs and other control agents;
• assessment of efficacy of IPM components and IPM programmes; and
• data generation on other parameters essential to improve IPM programmes across Europe.
PALM PROTECT
Strategies for the eradication and containment of the invasive pests Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier and Paysandisia archon Burmeister.
Organizations (NPPO), inspection services, growers and other end-users, for early detection, eradication, control and containment of the red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus and the moth Paysandisia archon. The methods will be developed for use at origin, point of entry, in transit and on-site to combat these invasive pests of palm trees. The methods will support stakeholders and end-users in the implementation of Council Directives 2000/29/EC, 2007/365/EC, 2008/776/EC, 2009/7/EC and 2010/467/EU.
General objectives
The objectives identified to achieve these goals are:
1) to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the biology (life cycles, host range, capacity for dispersal, behaviour) of R. ferrugineus and P. archon to facilitate decision making for risk assessment and optimisation of monitoring and control methods.
2) To combat the spread and establishment of R. ferrugineus and P. archon by the evelopment of technologies for the early detection and monitoring of these pests. Detection in quarantine areas using dogs, acoustic and thermal methods, and in open areas using trapping and aerial/satellite imaging, along with a decision support system
3) To develop methods to eradicate, control and contain R. ferrugineus and P. archon, to restrict their further invasion of EU territories. Scientifically based protocols will be developed for quarantine treatments, for eradication and containment including preventive and curative techniques, and proper disposal of infested material.
4) To disseminate the findings of this work both within and outside the EU Community, through working with NPPOs, the European Plant Protection Organisation (EPPO) and other stakeholders.
Role of the andalusian partner
Developing the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana and its insecticidal compounds as R. ferrugineus control strategy.
NUtriTech
Application of new technologies and methods in nutrition research-the example of phenotypic flexibility.
NutriTech will build on the foundations of traditional human nutrition research using cutting-edge analytical technologies and methods to comprehensively evaluate the diet-health relationship and critically assess their usefulness for the future of nutrition research and human well-being. Technologies include genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, laser scanning cytometry, NMR based lipoprotein profiling and advanced imaging by MRI/MRS.
All methods will be applied in an integrated manner to quantify the effect of diet on «phenotypic flexibility», based on metabolic flexibility (the capacity for the organism to adapt fuel oxidation to fuel availability). However, NutriTech will move beyond the state-of-the-art by applying these integrated methods to assess the underlying and related cell biological and genetic mechanisms and multiple physiological processes of adaptation when homeostasis is challenged. Methods will in the first instance be evaluated within a human intervention study, and the resulting optimal methods will be validated in a number of existing cohorts against established endpoints.
NutriTech will disseminate the harmonised and integrated technologies on a global scale by a large academic network including 6 non-EU partners and by providing an integrated and standardised data storage and evaluation platform. The impact of NutriTech will be multifold and exploitation is crucial as major breakthroughs from our technology and research are expected. This will be achieved by collaboration with a consortium of 8 major food industries and by exploitation of specific technologies by our 6 SME partners. Overall, NutriTech will lay the foundations for successful integration of emerging technologies intro nutrition research.
General objectives
The overall objective of NutriTech is to develop novel standardised methods for global use, using stateof-the-art and beyond state-of-the-art technologies, for studying the effects of diet and life-style on human health. To be able to achieve this, the large pan-European consortium is extended with several non-European partners from different continents, to ensure global acceptance of the methods developed here. Only by achieving worldwide harmonisation of the methodologies used in nutrition research, can
developments in this field be significantly improved as it will allow the direct comparison of results, thus enabling real collaboration and exchange in the worldwide nutrition research community.
NutriTech will work towards this objective by studying the phenotypic flexibility of humans, when challenged with foods and/or food components. This topic was chosen as the most relevant methods and technologies available and under development (see Table 1 above) can be validated within this area of research. Several sub-objectives of NutriTech are therefore to:
1. Evaluate the value of emerging technologies in the quantification of subtle effects of dietary interventions on health;
2. Evaluate the added value of emerging technologies to elucidate mechanisms of action in human studies;
3. Validate the use of emerging technologies for studying human metabolic and physiological adaptive processes in response to a shift from a suboptimal to a healthy diet;
4. Develop the integrated quantification of aspects of phenotypic flexibility as biomarkers of diet-related health improvement;
5. Develop methods integrating established as well as emerging technologies to study nutritional effects on health;
6. Provide guidelines and protocols to harmonise the use of the developed integrated methods;
7. Establish a data infrastructure in a global network of laboratories to disseminate and implement the new methods and technologies developed in nutrition research;
8. Valorise the new integrated technology for the food industry in a renewed effort to demonstrate health benefits of defined dietary interventions.
Role of the andalusian partner
1. Store and share all project data via the nutritional phenotype database.
2. Analyse and evaluate the study results beyond the single methods level
3. Embed NutriTech results within relevant publicly available data
4. Derive practical and integrated methods from the extensive phenotyping technologies for use in cohort studies
5. To apply the «practical phenotype» package» and specific components of the «extensive phenotype» packages to established suitable observational longitudinal and cross-sectional cohorts with available biobanks and data-rich databases including sophisticated bioimaging techniques.
6. To validate the «food intake» biomarkers in established observational (EPIC) and intervention (CORDIOPREV) cohorts with rich and repeated nutritional information
7. To validate the «the «practical phenotype» package» and specific components of the «extensive phenotype» as markers of optimal health (i.e. absence of onset of metabolic diseases) in cohorts of different ages, socioeconomic status and behavioural and dietary habits and test its application to large populations.
8. To validate whether the «practical phenotype» package» can detect beneficial changes induced by dietary/behavioural interventions in large clinical studies and differences in response resulting from genetic variability.
9. Create a sustainable global network to promote, disseminate and harmonise emerging technologies in state-of-the-art nutrition and health research.
10. Disseminate the project’s approach and results to academic, governmental and industry stakeholders, focussing on Europe with additional global.
COMET-LA
COmmunity-based Management of EnvironmenTal challenges in Latin America.
Current development models are leading to unprecedented environmental challenges, chief amongst them, climate change. How to respond to these challenges are key research questions. Although they are global problems, their effects are felt locally, especially by the communities that traditionally base their livelihoods in those natural resources. The relevance of these problems at global level has driven different initiatives to increase public awareness and to put in practice measures to improve them. However, many good conservation and management practices are done at local level. Research is needed to better understand local capabilities and to encourage and support potential locally-owned solutions.
COMET-LA’s objective is to identify sustainable community-based governance models for the management of natural resources that could be used in different social-ecological systems in a context of climate change and increasing competition for the use of these resources.
A civil society-scientific partnership has been created to develop the project. Three Latin American civil society organizations, a global CSO and 7 research institutions (3 Latin American and 4 European) comprise this partnership.
COMET-LA will create a space of interaction for CSOs, policy makers and research organizations, sharing local and scientific knowledge and contributing to a better knowledge of problems and potential solutions for current and future sustainable management of natural resources.
Three different case studies will be analyzed: water and biodiversity systems in Colombia, forest systems in Mexico and marine and coastal areas in Argentina. Similar methods will be used to characterize the current and future ecosystem states, sustainable governance models and locally-tailored scenarios for future changes and challenges.
The outcomes will be synthesized and up-scaled to deliver a potentially useful tool to other local communities facing current environmental challenges.
The overall COMET-LA objective is to identify sustainable community-based governance models for the management of natural resources that could be used in different social-ecological systems in a context of climate change and increasing competition for the use of these resources.
Role of the andalusian partner
1.To create a partnership between CSOs, research institutes and policymakers, both at local and global levels to share scientific and local knowledge in the management of natural resources.
2.To apply scientific knowledge and methods to identify: i) the situation, the critical points and the main tensions and conflicts affecting now and in the future to the use of resources at local level and ii) opportunities for a more sustainable management of environmental problems.
3. To identify and analyze locally owned knowledge and develop solutions to be put in place to prevent and resolve tensions in the use of natural resources in the case studies, with the informed consent and participation of local communities.
4. To improve the understanding and knowledge of local governance models for the management of natural resources, through the analysis of the lessons learned in the case studies.
5. To develop conflict transformation approaches to facilitate solving current and future problems connected to natural resources management.
6. To explore how local community based management systems might respond to future shocks, with the use of scenario building.
7. To identify the role played by women and men and their relations in the management of natural resources as well as the underlying factors involved.
8. To identify the obstacles to matching scientific and local knowledge and how to overcome these in order to provide scientific frameworks useful for local communities and policymakers to monitor the evolution of the ecosystems.
9. To scale up the results in order to be used in other social-ecological systems and to identify the obstacles to scaling-up good/best local practices to face environmental challenges.
10. To provide policymakers with useful tools that could guide adaptive policy making to tackle a riskier and more complex environment.
Impact
Development of a knowledge-base of the situation of the social-ecological system where they base their livelihood, including contextual facts, governance models, potential future shocks and challenges, and eco-innovative solutions for livelihood
Empowerment and capacity-building
Solving conflict capabilities
Creation of a partnership with CSOs in other countries, with EU and LA research institutions, with policymakers, with global institutions and CSOs
Guidelines and best practices for the management of natural resources
Policy briefs about sustainable governance models for the management of natural resources
Locally-adapted dissemination tools
Development of inter-disciplinary science for society
Development of evidence-base analysis of the situation of different social-ecological system, including contextual facts, governance models, potential future shocks and challenges, and eco-innovative solutions
Development of knowledge about community, participatory approaches for environmental public policy delivering Development of EU-LAC Research Area
Bottleneck removing tools in environmental conflicts
Policy briefs about sustainable governance models for the management of natural resources
Locally-adapted dissemination tools
Increasing relationships with LA institutions and strengthening its role as a global player in the fight against climate change
Development of evidence-base analysis of the situation of different social-ecological system, including contextual facts, governance models, potential future shocks and challenges, and eco-innovative solutions
Development of knowledge about community, participatory approaches for environmental public policy delivering
Cover of information gaps about the situation of local social-ecological systems
Locally-adapted dissemination tools
Policy briefs about sustainable governance models for the management of natural resources
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