InnovPlantProtect (InPP) recently received approval for an application submitted to COMPETE2030-2024-6 - Collective Actions - Transfer of scientific and technological knowledge - BioLivingLABS - Bioeconomy at the service of the sustainability of inland territories, led by MORE CoLAB - Laboratório Colaborativo Montanhas de Investigação, Associação, in partnership with the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança (IPB), the Polytechnic Institute of Castelo Branco (IPCB) and AQUAVALOR.
BioLivingLABS aims to promote the economic valorization of research and development (R&D) results obtained by various institutions in the North, Center and Alentejo. To this end, it will create an experimental demonstration network, the so-called Living Labs, The project will be held in the innovation hubs of Mirandela, Douro, Covilhã and Elvas. In addition, demonstration actions, workshops, an inland innovation catalog and training on intellectual property protection will be developed with the aim of encouraging the incorporation of innovative solutions in the business sectors of these regions.
Scheduled to begin in October and lasting 24 months, the project has a total eligible investment of over 740,000 euros, financed by COMPETE2030 - Thematic Program for Innovation and Digital Transition. For InPP, this project is a strategic opportunity to strengthen its mission as a center for technology development and transfer, boosting the practical application of scientific knowledge to promote sustainable development.
This initiative confirms InPP's commitment to open and sustainable innovation, integrating science, technology and regional development to respond to the challenges and potential of the interior of the country.
On September 18, the executive director of InnovPlantProtect (InPP), António Saraiva, the director of the New Biopesticides Department, Cristina Azevedo, and researcher Luís Grilo attended the Open Day “The Cereals of Baixo Mondego”, promoted by the Centro Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR Centro), at the Bico da Barca Experimental Unit in Montemor-o-Velho.
The event highlighted the latest innovations from the Coimbra Innovation Hub, from new technologies applied to maize and rice, to fertilization strategies, protection and the use of biostimulants on these key crops in the Baixo Mondego region.
Our team also monitored trials with biofungicides, including the product I21, developed with our collaborative laboratory to combat pyriculariosis in two rice varieties, which is being patented.
In an interview with Voice of the Countryside, Cristina Azevedo shared the work we have been doing in the area of biosolutions.
Maize continues to be the Portugal's most important arable crop, The sector has a significant impact on food safety and the national agri-food industry. Involving thousands of producers and generating tens of millions of euros a year, the sector is currently facing increasingly complex phytosanitary challenges.
Among already known pests and emerging diseases, there are risks ranging from cartridge caterpillar until Maize Rugose Dwarfism Virus (MRDV), The presence of this virus is increasing in Portugal. This virus, transmitted by the corn leafhopper, can seriously compromise production and is found in the climate change increasingly favorable conditions for its spread.
However, it's not just MRDV that's worrying. There are new threats that require vigilance, such as the coleopter Diabrotica virgifera or the MDMV virus (Maize Dwarf Mosaic Virus), already detected in neighboring countries, and also toxic weeds, such as the winter fig (Datura stramonium), which in addition to impacting productivity pose public health risks.
Faced with this reality, the answer is integrated and sustainable strategies, matching:
crop rotation and good agricultural practices;
careful use of insecticides to avoid resistance and environmental impacts;
resistant or tolerant varieties, where available;
research and technological innovation, including new digital tools for early detection.
As the InnovPlantProtect researcher points out, Nuno Faria, in the article entitled “The main emerging pests and diseases of the maize crop in Portugal”, available in the August edition of Voz do Campo magazine: “The phytosanitary panorama of maize in Portugal requires continuous vigilance, investment in research and the application of integrated and sustainable strategies capable of responding to an increasingly dynamic and unpredictable reality.”
To find out more about the main current risks and mitigation measures, read the full article published in the August issue of Voz do Campo magazine (pages 88-89), available on newsstands and online.
For two days, the Lisbon Congress Center will host researchers, entrepreneurs and the general public for the annual Science 2020 meeting. At this event, ANI - Agência Nacional de Inovação (National Innovation Agency) will host six virtual sessions as part of the PERIN/Horizonte Europa network and Collaborative Laboratories (CoLAB).
At the annual Science 2020 meeting, which is being held today and tomorrow at the Lisbon Congress Center, ANI-National Innovation Agency will be hosting 6 virtual sessions as part of the PERIN/Horizonte Europa network and Collaborative Laboratories (CoLAB).
Horizon Europe, the European Union's next framework program for research and innovation, will be the theme for three sessions promoted by ANI, as a member of the PERIN network:
PERIN Session - Missions
On November 3, at 11:30 a.m., there will be a presentation of the missions that will be part of Horizon Europe, followed by a speech by the European Commission on the concept of mission. The session will also feature a round table of Portuguese experts participating in mission boards. Access the event here.
PERIN Session - Pillar II
Also on November 3, at 2pm, the structure of “Pillar II of Horizon Europe - Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness” will be presented, focusing on the opportunities and themes of each of its clusters. Access the event here.
PERIN Session - Pillar III
On November 4, at 11:30 a.m., the different areas of “Pillar III of Horizon Europe - Innovative Europe” will be presented: European Innovation Council, Eurostars 3 (focusing on the Portuguese presidency of Eureka), SME Support Networks and European Institute of Innovation and Technology. Access the event here.
Also November 3rd and 4th, the three sessions dedicated to Collaborative Labs, These presentations are also part of the program of the Science 2020 Meeting. Each presentation will be structured according to a pitch in which each CoLAB will showcase its activities and the technologies and services it provides. The interventions are divided into 6 thematic areas, according to the respective area of intervention: Digital and Information Systems; Climate, Space and Oceans; Health and Social Services; Materials, Circular Economy and Urban Sustainability; Energy and Sustainability; Biodiversity and Forestry; and Agri-food. See detailed information on the CoLAB sessions e watch the event here.
The importance and challenges of science, research and innovation in Portugal's recovery in times of pandemic set the tone for the Science 2020 Meeting. This event is particularly relevant as Portugal prepares to take over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2021. Speakers and participants will discuss strategies for the country and Europe to be more resilient, digital, green, social and global in the current context. Over the course of two days, the program includes several thematic sessions in a wide range of scientific areas, promoting interaction between researchers, the business sector and the general public.
The Science Meeting is promoted by the Foundation for Science and Technology in collaboration with Ciência Viva - National Agency for Scientific and Technological Culture and the Parliamentary Commission for Education and Science, and has the institutional support of the Government through the Minister for Science, Technology and Higher Education. More information about the meeting will be released soon.
Main responsibilities This researcher reports directly to the Director of the Department of Protection of Specific Crops of InnovPlantProtect and has the following responsibility: - To identify pests and diseases in the field and in the laboratory - Sample plant, pests and pathogen material from crop fields - Interact with farmers and field researchers - Support field, greenhouse and laboratory plant-pathogen interaction assays
Specific requirements - Master degree in Phytopathology or related fields - Experience in phytopathology and agronomic techniques is desirable - Knowledge on molecular phytopathology and plant physiology - Fluency in English, spoken and written
InnovPlantProtect is a private non-profit association InnovPlantProtect aims to create innovation for the protection of crops, seeds and post-harvest products, in particular through: - Development of new technologies and knowledge, as well as the improvement of previously developed technologies, to protect crops, seeds and post-harvest products, as as well as their intellectual protection and availability; - Development of applied scientific research to introduce the developed technologies in the market, and to develop processes and products; - Provide technical support to companies and entities, public or private, assisting them in the introduction of biotechnological strategies, methods and processes, and in the orientation and implementation of industrial research and development, directed towards the protection of crops, seeds and post-harvest products; - Collaboration with public or private institutions, national or foreign in their areas of activity.
Workplace The place of work will be the headquarters of InnovPlantProtect, at the INIAV Elvas pole, in the former National Plant Breeding Station (Elvas, Portugal).
Salary and contract A full-time contract will be offered, starting December 1st, 2020. The contract will last until December, 31, 2022, being renewed annually, and with a trial period of 30 days. The contract will be renewed past 2022 depending on further financial support. All the activities to be developed will be subject to confidentiality clauses. The gross value of the remuneration will be 1509,8€ (14 months - 21,152.6€/year) plus 4,77€ of lunch subsidy per working day.
Financial Support This contract is co-financed by the European Social Fund and Alentejo 2020, under the Operation: Highly qualified employment in companies - Hiring Highly Qualified Human Resources (PME or CoLAB). Project reference: ALT20-59-2018-49
To apply for this position, the following documents should be sent in a single PDF document: - Curriculum vitae (CV) - Motivation letter - Honor statement that all data provided in the CV is true (If the selected candidate does not hold a master's degree by a Portuguese Higher Education Institution, its recognition by the Portuguese State must be delivered after signing the contract, under the terms of the Portuguese Decree-Law No. 66/2018)
Where to send the application To the care of the Chief Executive Officer of InnovPlantProtect Collaborative Lab, Professor Pedro Fevereiro (inpp@iplantprotect.pt).
Deadlines This call is open until November 6th 2020, with a decision expected by November 20th. The selected candidate is expected to start on December 1st.
General rules of data protection (GDPR) With the entry into force of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of April 26, 2016, commonly known as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and in order to ensure a fair and transparent treatment of the holder of the data, InnovPlantProtect informs that by applying for this position you are authorizing InnovPlantProtect to (1) collect and process your personal data deemed necessary and relevant to this recruitment process, (2) to disclose the results of the evaluation in accordance with the legislation in force.
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