EUROPEAN ANIMAL DISEASE GENOMICS NETWORK OF EXCELLENCE FOR ANIMAL HEALTH AND FOOD SAFETY (EADGENE)

摘要

The production of high quality safe food, respecting animal welfare and the environment, is the primary objective of European livestock and aquaculture industries. Particular focus will be placed on the improvement of animal health. Genomic tools thatelucidate host-pathogen interactions offer new opportunities to devise sustainable solutions to existing and arising problems, through novel diagnostic, intervention, breeding and husbandry strategies. However, relevant genomics research i fragmented and the restructuring of the European research capacity is required to create the scale and breadth of competencies needed to realise these opportunities. Hence, a Network of Excellence of 10 countries in the genomics of host-pathogen interactions in animals is proposed to bring together sufficient excellence and resources to make a real difference to animal and human health, and improve the quality of animal products. Integrating activities will ensure that all partners have easy and durable access to the best available facilities, biological resources, technological platforms, software, analytical tools and knowledge. The Joint research programme will ensure that this integration results in high quality research that is directed towards the most pressing issues, and presents the best opportunities to address European concerns. Activities to spread excellence will maximise technology transfer, communication with other scientific groups and society as a whole, whilst addressing ethical and consumer concerns. Staff training and enhanced mobility are key aspects to success. The Network will be bound together by a strong and sustainable management structure. The Network will: create a durable virtual European laboratory in genomics of host-pathogen interactions; coordinate and orientate European animal genomics and disease research; apply genomics as a tool to improve animal health, food quality and safety; spread true excellence among this field.