Preparatory steps towards a GMO researc...

The objective of the PreSto GMO ERA-Net project is to map out the steps needed to create and successfully implement an ERA-Net that will coordinate transnational research on human and animal health, environmental, techno-economic, and socio-economic impacts of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The focus will be on GMOs intentionally released into the environment and/or used immediately in feed and food applications. PreSto GMO ERA-Net brings together ministries, agencies, and funding bodies from different Members States and the scientific community to jointly prepare a strategic plan and roadmap for the implementation of the ERA-Net. In addition, the ERA-Net will explicitly take into account the wider views of a diversity of stakeholders and end-users (e.g. industry, farming organisations, civil society organisations, EU and national competent authorities, funding organisations, academia). This is intended to strengthen ownership of the ERA-Net among stakeholders in order to encourage participation of different scientific communities in the future joint transnational calls, to enhance collaboration between actors and to increase the accountability of research trajectories and outcomes.

The results of the project will form the basis for a robust ERA-Net proposal. In achieving this the project work will promote the accessibility of existing scientific information to interested stakeholders and end-users, lead to the harmonisation of research requirements and capacity building within Europe, complement international developments, contribute to a more efficient use of research funds internationally and identify how strategic collaboration can be used to respond to these future research and training needs through enhancement of durable partnerships.

The Graz unit of Alpen-Adria Universitaet Klagenfurt is involved in two workpackages. It will lead a workpackage on stakeholder engagement and engage in another workpackage which will develop an implementation plan.