Research dissemination
In addition to mentoring school classes and training secondary school teachers in plant biology, domestication, breeding and biotechnology (link), we disseminate our knowledge through various channels. For example, we contributed to the LSD France Culture documentary series on epigenetics (link) and collaborate with artists (link), offering new perspectives on research.
Interactions with policymakers
IJPB experts in genome-editing (GE) techniques are members of biosecurity panels (EFSA, ANSES, HCB and CEUCO). They provide expert opinions and recommendations about GE research during public hearings and in media outlets. During the period 2018-2023, IJPB researchers co-authored 98 EFSA publications on the assessment of genetically modified plants. One of our experts was also interviewed by the French Senate as part of a consultation to define policy on NBTs (link). Another expert is a member of a committee for the ANSES, that advises on amendments to French Ministry legislation on fertilisers and growth media.
Additionally, IJPB scientists have been involved in the PlantACT! initiative, which led to a road map of how and in which areas plant scientists can contribute to finding immediate, mid-term, and long-term solutions, and what changes are necessary to implement these solutions at personal, institutional, and funding levels.
Valorisation, Transfer, and Innovation
Our deep commitment to valorising our knowledge production is illustrated by the characterization of key enzymes of nitrogen metabolism in maize which has been the basis for two patents. Moreover, the successful transfer of discoveries in Arabidopsis to barley and maize shows our dedication to translational biology, the latter resulting in a patent application for improving biomass digestibility. Finally, our innovation activities are demonstrated by the development of a seed treatment process, which is protected by a patent exploited by the start-up Seed in Tech.
> See also our Publications and our IJPB HAL collection