Outcome of joint calls with IB2 and COFASP

One of the tasks foreseen within ERA-MBT activities includes “Exploring the possibility of launching the 4th call with other initiatives,” with the intention to build fruitful cooperation between “sister” initiatives. Considering this goal, two actions were implemented in collaboration with ERA-IB-2 (Industrial Biotechnology) and COFASP (Cooperation in Fisheries, Aquaculture and Sea food Processing), respectively.

Collaboration with ERA-IB-2

In November 2015, six of the ERA-MBT partners (IWT, FCT, UEFISCDI, RCN, IFD and MINECO) joined the ERA-IB-2 7th call launched under the topic: “Industrial Biotechnology for Europe: an integrated approach.” This topic foresees the utilization of biomass for the development of innovative and industry relevant Industrial Biotechnology projects. The inclusion of ERA-MBT participation highlights the possibility for the utilization of marine biomass, as a valuable alternative source for academia and industries to apply the biotechnology toolbox. Out of the 37 full proposals accepted for evaluation, three projects utilized marine biomass, namely the projects with the acronyms: VALORIZE, Fish for Future and HABVAL, however none of these projects were funded.

More information on the ERA-IB2 website.

Collaboration with COFASP

In March 2016, two of the ERA-MBT partners (RCN and RANNIS) joined the 3rd call of ERA-NET COFASP, which was launched in selected topics within the areas cross boarding the two ERA-NETs, where new biotechnological approaches and developments have the potential to enable new and innovative developments within the fisheries, aquaculture and seafood processing sectors covered by COFASP. The selected topics were the following:

• Topic 1: Fisheries stock assessment and dynamic modelling
• Topic 2: Genome based approach to genetic improvement of aquaculture species
• Topic 3: Explore opportunities for the use of biotechnological tools, including targeted enzymes to develop more efficient seafood processing methods and high value products

Applications were required to demonstrate a significant biotechnology component, using elements of the marine biotechnology “toolbox” with a clear potential to promote innovative solutions for the three COFASP main areas.

Out of 12 eligible full proposals accepted for evaluation, 5 projects could be funded. All of them include a relevant element of biotechnology, as required:

• RobustBass - Advanced selective breeding for robustness, disease and stress resistance in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) through the use of Next generation Sequencing technique for genetic Improvement (GR, NO, FR), led by Costas Tsigenopoulos, Greece
• STURGEoNOMICS - Genome-based approaches for improvement of aquaculture in two marine sturgeon species: Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus) and Beluga (Huso huso) (DE, FR, RO), led by Matthias Stöck, Germany
• AntiFoul - Applying novel biotechnological tools to utilize compounds isolated from the red algae S. coronopifolius as eco-friendly Antifouling Agents (TR IS GR FR), led by Antonios Makris, Turkey
• CHITOWOUND - Biotechnological tools implementation for new wound healing applications of byproducts from the crustacean seafood processing industry (GR RO NO EE), led by Kjell Morten Varum, Greece
• AquaCrispr - Optimization of the CRISPR/Cas9 knock-in technology and application in salmon and trout (NO FR DE), led by Rolf Edvardsen, Norway

The research themes addressed in these five selected projects, clearly illustrate the added value in merging these two areas. It is therefore a priority to join forces in future activities, working towards a stronger commitment and building a better position within the H2020 framework such as e. g. Cofund ERA-NETs and other EU-initiatives.

More information on the selected projects, which are expected to start early 2017, can be read in the factsheets.

More information on the COFASP website.