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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.
Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)
CNRS is the largest research organisation in Europe, with more than 30,000 employees, half of which are researchers. The organisation covers all scientific domains, with a particular emphasis on inter-disciplinarity. In this context, the main goals of the research ca rried out by its employees are to improve knowledge, ensure economic and technological development and solve complex societal problems.
Since the beginning of the Framework Programmes, the CNRS has implemented a specific network of skilled staff in all its regional departments in order to give a support on administrative, financial and legal aspects of FP projects to the researchers.
The MG4U project will involve the (SBR, http://www.sb-roscoff.fr), a research unit jointly operated by CNRS and UPMC (FR 2424). Founded in 1872, SBR is part of the Marine Sciences Centre, a federal organization which coordinates research and higher education and promotes common activities in the field of marine sciences for UPMC as a whole. This network played a major role in the emergence of marine genomics in Europe and will be part of the ESFRI infrastructure project referred to as EMBRC (European Marine Biological Resource Centre).
The Challenge
Cutting-edge genomic approaches are now sufficiently mature to advance the knowledge based bio-economy in the marine sector. Marine genomics has enormous potential to improve our lifestyles and prosperity, and to assist with governance and sustainable management of the marine environment. Today, marine genomics knowledge is a vital part of “blue biotechnology”, and is leading to applications in the management of natural and cultured resources, and preserving marine environments.
However, many business leaders and legislators are not yet aware of how marine genomics hold great potential for problem solving and industrial commercial advantage. Valuable knowledge needs to be made accessible and disseminated in userfriendly contexts. In this context, the EU support action Marine Genomics for Users (MG4U) will facilitate knowledge transfer,technology transfer, and technology translation between high-throughput marine genomics, industry and society.
Project Objectives
Marine Genomics 4 Users (MG4U) responds to several critical bottlenecks. It will spread results from recent and on-going projects in marine genomics and enhance rapid, efficient knowledge transfer to generate interdisciplinary research capacity in Europe. Scientists, government officials and representatives from small, medium and large enterprises will participate in diverse transfer activities.
Methodology
Planned Results
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Key Results
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Description
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Single entry-point to marine genomics knowledge |
A knowledge database on marine genomics project outcomes will identify worldwide hot-spots for research. Interactive maps and search & sort functionality will enable efficient user access.
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Innovative methodologies |
Advanced knowledge transfer methodologies will be customised to target user groups; complex concepts will be translated and knowledge transferred for improved biodiversity, environmental regulations, and commercial applications.
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Occupational map of the marine genomics field
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Occupational and functional mapping will chart the state of the industry. Essential job roles and functions will be defined within rapidly growing disciplines related to marine genomics.
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Training courses and technical workshops |
Training programmes will focus on sharing and transferring knowledge to research organizations, government officers, and industrial representatives from large and small enterprises alike.
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Connections between biotech sectors and marine genomic experts
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Contacts with multipliers and businesses will be initiated to promote marine genomics results at trade events, presentations, roundtable discussions and breakout sessions.
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