MG4U proposes activities to fill the space in the current knowledge transfer methodology at the European level. Promoting the existence of research projects and facilitating dialogue are only the first steps on the path to unlocking the knowledge potential from EU research activities.

Typically, knowledge management activities have been confined to general dissemination to promote what has been done. No one has yet completed and documented an analysis of final results in marine genomics in order to identify the value and potential applications of the knowledge generated to different end-users. This may be in terms of the identification of effective (and ineffective) research methodologies, as well as the more tangible outputs which could be put forward for commercial application.

The methodology of MG4U can be broken down into 3 main elements and summarized as follows:

1. To collect and understand.

Collect and collate data, information and knowledge from past and current EC projects in marine genomics. To also collect knowledge on state of the art globally. To understand potential end-users by consulting with them as part of the process to understand their needs and requirements and preferred methods for knowledge transfer. To understand potential channels for knowledge transfer.

To understand the current vocations and jobs in marine genomics (occupational map) and relate that to functions (functional map) encompassing knowledge and skills, competences and levels which will aid in describing the sector, its technologies and knowledge requirements and also gaps (WP2&6).

2. To analyse and consult.

To take the knowledge collected and analyse what is relevant to different target audiences. To do this the project will consult with an expert scientific advisory board as well as hold workshops to bring together stakeholders and end-users in order to:1) brainstorm to identify applications for the knowledge identified 2) cluster knowledge appropriately by end user group and 3) understand the capacity of end-users to take up the knowledge and exploit it.

3. To transfer and connect.

The knowledge and exploitable results will be transferred to facilitate and accelerate the commercial application of research results and methodologies (industry); to inform and direct further research and increase the amount of specialists (the research community); to support evidence-based policy making (policy makers) and provide accurate scientific knowledge to organisations involved in governance. In addition a key element will be connecting with other projects in the subject domain to ensure synergies, complementarity and share experience.