Building Capacity in Plant Breeding and Biotechnology Education and Research through Partnership Program (BREEDTECH)
In a groundbreaking initiative spanning Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, a consortium of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) has embarked on a transformative journey in agricultural science. The BREEDTECH project, slated for a three-year tenure from 2024 to 2027, stands as a beacon of collaborative effort, aimed at elevating plant breeding and biotechnology education and research across diverse landscapes.
Spearheaded by Egerton University’s Dr. Miriam Charimbu and Prof. Paul Kimurto as CoPI, and a dedicated team including Dr. Maurice Oyoo and Dr. Mercy Wamalwa, BREEDTECH boasts a total has a total project budget of 787,575 Euros=113,638 528) (Egerton Budget: 94,712 Euros = Kshs.13,638,528). The lead institution is Egerton University, Kenya which coordinates the project.
This partnership aims at; implementing the project activities, sharing the results of the proposed activities and responding to future calls for proposal and scientific cooperation for future collaboration.
The partner institutions include; Laikipia University (Kenya) Haramaya University-Ethiopia; Oda Bultum University (Ethiopia); Al-Quds Open University (Palestine); An-Najah National University (Palestine); Pixel - Associazione Culturale (Italy); Institute of field and vegetable crops (Serbia); Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies (Italy); Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (Sweden) and BOKU - University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (Austria) as an associate partner).
Nonetheless, BREEDTECH aims at building the capacity in plant breeding and biotechnology education and research in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe and to involve African and Palestinian higher education institutions in the research mobility related to plant breeding and biotechnology in Europe and to encourage researchers and academics to take an interest in the concept, domains, tools, and digital technology of plant breeding and biotechnology.
It is a project designed to implement four main work packages. The packages aim at improving the skills and competence levels of 420 participants and beneficiaries. This is through Mobility of 12 students and 24 academic staff. A total of 150 students and faculty participating in Knowledge transfer workshops. Additionally, upgrading of 8 centers and laboratories, developing and reviewing 20 curriculums. The packages also entail development of 6 research projects in plant breeding and biotechnology, establishment of 3 BREEDTECH incubators. The project seeks to develop the BREEDTECH Massive open online course (MOOC) in African and Palestinian universities with support from European HIEs.
Additionally, the project will improve agricultural technologies for better productivity, sustainability and environmental safety through exchanges, lesson learning, public-private partnership, skill development and industry engagement in plant breeding and biotechnology.
This will ensure that the next generation of plant breeders and biotechnology professionals are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in their careers.
To ensure that our project has a broad impact across the target regions, plant breeding and biotechnology incubators will promote innovation and product development to support startups and entrepreneurship skills which turn their ideas into successful businesses.
The project Specific Objectives include:
To develop and implement the harmonized curriculum in Plant Breeding and Biotechnology in consortium countries.
To equip and modernize research facilities and infrastructure on Plant Breeding and Biotechnology in consortium countries.
To train graduate and post graduate students and staff in Plant Breeding and Biotechnology across consortium countries
To mentor young institutions of higher learning to develop and review their programs in Plant Breeding and Biotechnology across the consortium countries.
To develop innovations and technologies to mitigate the impacts of climate change through advanced methods of plant breeding and biotechnology
To promote and enhance public-private sector partnerships with HEIs in Plant Breeding and Biotechnology across consortium countries.
Dissemination of Project Results and benefits
Crucially, the project’s outcomes will transcend institutional boundaries, disseminating knowledge and best practices across target regions. From scientific publications and research webinars to curriculum reviews and exchange visits, BREEDTECH ensures that its impact permeates through diverse channels. By harnessing the power of digital platforms and social media, the consortium aims to foster a global community of practitioners committed to advancing agricultural science through knowledge transfer workshops.
For Egerton University, the benefits of BREEDTECH are manifold. The University will benefit from the project through Capacity building of students and staff, provision of research materials and laboratories and equipment, upgrading of laboratory and research fields through procurement of equipment, lab materials and construction of a greenhouse/glasshouse. The benefits also include; enhanced visibility of the university from the webinars, workshops and publications, enhancing University Networks and collaborations from working jointly with all the partners institutions and income generation through research products developed and charging bench fees on the labs, research fields and greenhouse established.
As BREEDTECH paves the way for a new era of agricultural innovation, its legacy extends far beyond the confines of academia. By empowering individuals, institutions, and communities, the project embodies the spirit of collaboration and shared prosperity, laying the groundwork for a more sustainable and resilient future.
Communications Officer,
Directorate of Marketing and Resource Mobilization
Egerton University
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