BOOSTER project kick-off meeting: A step forward in enhancing drought tolerance in key cereals
The Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Bern, hosted the inaugural meeting of the BOOSTER project on the 28th and 29th June 2023 in Bern, Switzerland. The event marked a significant milestone in efforts to enhance drought tolerance in crucial cereal crops amid the challenges posed by climate change.
Under the theme “Boosting Drought Tolerance in Key Cereals in the Era of Climate Change,” the kick-off meeting brought together esteemed researchers, scientists, and stakeholders from various European institutions. Led by project partner University of Bern (UB), the gathering aimed to outline the project’s objectives, foster collaboration, and chart a course for future endeavors.
The meeting commenced with a warm welcome address from Dr. Zerihun TADELE from the UB, setting the tone for two days of insightful discussions and presentations. The Project Coordinator, Vincenzo ROSSI from CREA, provided an overview of the project’s goals and objectives, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in tackling the pressing issue of drought stress in maize and teff. Notable highlights from the agenda included presentations by the Project Officer from the European Commission, shedding light on the project’s alignment with EU strategies and objectives. The consortium engaged in thorough discussions on various work packages, including genome-wide identification, comparative genomics, and the development of biostimulants to enhance crop resilience.
The second day of the meeting continued with in-depth sessions on project management procedures, environmental assessments, and communication and dissemination strategies. The meeting also witnessed the appointment of the Stakeholder Network, underscoring the project’s commitment to engaging diverse stakeholders and fostering a collaborative approach towards achieving impactful outcomes.
Following the thorough discussions, participants could enjoy a visit to Bern’s Botanical Garden, followed by an evening of networking during the hosted dinner. Reaffirming their commitment to efficient project coordination, the consortium concluded the kick-off meeting on a positive note, setting a solid foundation for collaborative research.
