Cooperation Network for the Study and Bioprospecting of Soil Microorganisms for Agricultural Applications

Objective: To form a scientific-academic collaboration network that, through the assignment of responsibilities, contributes to the generation of knowledge in basic and applied science on the diversity of the microbiota and its bioprospecting as promoters of plant growth and biocontrol that can lay the foundations of knowledge for its use as bioinoculants and biological control agents in different crops of commercial interest.

a. Short-term (one year):

In the first year, the proposal is to register at least one collaborative research project with the network members, prioritizing the search for funding. This will allow network members to carry out experimental activities through exchanges between network locations. It is also anticipated that this funding will cover the network's operating costs for initial progress. Experimentally, each member group will isolate microorganisms associated with different crops of interest in order to establish a collection of microbiological resources on which collaborative work will be carried out through bioprospecting.

In addition, the plan is to prepare at least one scientific article and submit it for publication in a high-impact, indexed journal with the participation of network members.

Regarding academic collaboration, seminars, training sessions, and virtual meetings are planned throughout the year, focusing on various topics of interest based on soil microbiology and its application in agriculture. The purpose of these activities is to organize the work among members, define and promote international collaborations with other colleagues, and broaden the network's reach by disseminating the topic to other research centers and research groups at associated research institutes. Additionally, the academic strengths of the members will be assessed to establish appropriate strategies for delivering specific knowledge in areas of interest within the network's member research centers and groups.

b. Medium Term (2 to 3 years):

Over the next 3 years, the aim is to consolidate international collaboration links (with Horizon Europe) between network members and related working groups at European institutions for postgraduate human resource development. This will be achieved through collaborative participation among network members, facilitated by international mobility. Costs will be managed through internationally funded projects.

During this period, activities are planned to disseminate knowledge and the results obtained from experimental activities at academic and scientific events for different sectors of society.

We will also collaborate in the organization and/or participation of courses, workshops, and seminars, both in person and online.

We will seek to establish formal and informal connections with business and production sectors related to the network's focus in order to establish R&D agreements and offer services and advice to meet their technical and technological innovation needs. Maintain the qualification level of the members of the research groups and research teams, or, where applicable, support those members who do not yet have it in obtaining it. All must have national (PRODEP Profile and SNI) or international distinctions.