BIOPROTECH

"Improvement of research capacities of the Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax in Bio-Processes for biotech applications, tying up with the European Research Area"

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'On the way to a more knowledge based economy and in accordance with scientific and technological agreements with the European Union, Tunisia launched necessary policies and measures to set up and improve the efficiency of research centres such as the Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax (CBS). As a key element of the Tunisian Biotechnology Plan the CBS focuses on applied research particularly in terms of use, development, transfer and application of bioprocesses. BioProtech aims to support the CBS in the improvement of its capacities in bioprocesses development such as fermentation and microarrays technologies as well as all related fields such as technology transfer mechanisms, know-how about the EU research framework program and biosafety competencies to be better integrated in the European Research Area. This support will be organized in 6 work packages covering the technological aspect of bioprocesses (fermentation, microarray and biosafety), the incubation and transfer of bioprocesses especially to the local industry, training and coaching in EU-FP7, dissimination of scientific results, strategy and evaluation regarding the focus of CBS and the further integration in the ERA, and the project management. To achieve the objectives 5 European partners have been selected who are highly qualified and specialized in each of the topics. The results will support local economic development through the creation of new or support of existing high-tech companies and more scientific collaborations with the EU. In the field of bioprocesses this means identifying promising results and supporting their path through cooperation, licensing or start-up creation. Comparison and matching between what exist in Tunisia and in the EU will help updating and adjusting the local competencies and shaping the research agenda and priorities for the following years. This will also benefit the European actors as know –how and capacities will be better integrated and available in the ERA.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

The EU has invested heavily to raise the biotechnological research capacity of the Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax (CBS) in Tunisia. The ultimate goal is smooth integration of CBS into the European Research Area (ERA).

Descrizione progetto (Article)

CBS is a well-known biotechnological research institute in Tunisia. However, there are areas that need to be addressed to ensure it becomes a top notch institute producing research of the highest standards.

Five highly qualified European partners with requisite expertise joined forces under the EU-funded http://www.bioprotech.org (BIOPROTECH) project to address CBS' shortcomings and support its sustainable growth.

Through surveys and similar measures, the team identified the need for improved capacities in bioprocesses such as fermentation and microarray technologies. Also, they found knowledge in areas such as biosafety, technology transfer and EU project management to be lacking.

Technical skills shortage was addressed through exchange programmes, joint lab courses, secondments, training courses and workshops, as well as several European biotech fairs and conferences. Knowledge on technology transfer and innovation, business start-ups and licensing was provided through three training sessions, coaching activities, training materials and internships. Researchers, technicians, engineers and administrative staff from CBS and other Tunisian institutions participated in these activities. This also led to the generation of several project ideas. Out of these, five proposals were submitted and three EU proposals have already been launched.

A major achievement was the enhanced career prospects of three unemployed CBS graduates who received training in EU project management, technology transfer and fermentation technologies. CBS received a boost in technical know-how through improved competencies in microarray and fermentation technologies as well as implementation of improved biosafety practices.

The project website contains a virtual matchmaking platform that links industrial needs with scientific competencies of prospective employees to facilitate networking between industry and academia. Additionally, this search engine links two databases that could also promote research collaborations at regional, national and international levels. Besides this, other dissemination activities included 22 meetings, flyers, posters, booklets, conferences and fairs.

At the end of the project, CBS capabilities and weaknesses were re-evaluated and project partners produced recommendations for further improvement. Project activities will ultimately promote economic development in Tunisia through creation of start-ups, research collaborations and more employment opportunities.