CREA in BOOSTER: A year of progress, collaboration, and outreach

One of the notable highlights was Dr. Rossi’s visit to the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research in Cologne, Germany. From 13 to 15 May 2024, Dr. Rossi and Dr. Hartwig’s staff exchanged expertise on the MOA-seq methodology, which will soon be implemented in Dr. Rossi’s laboratory at the Research Center for Cereals and Industrial Crops, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA) in Bergamo, Italy. This visit underscored the importance of international collaboration in advancing agricultural research and innovation. By integrating MOA-seq technology, Dr. Rossi’s lab aims to enhance their research capabilities, contributing to the overarching goals of the BOOSTER project.

In addition to this technical exchange, the BOOSTER project has actively sought to raise awareness among stakeholders through various initiatives. Articles and press releases have been published, targeting policymakers, the general public, and academia. The project was prominently featured at the 5th European Maize Meeting, held from 14 to 16 June 2023, in Bologna. This conference provided an ideal platform to introduce BOOSTER to a diverse audience, including PhD students, post-docs, research scientists, and principal investigators interested in maize genetics and related fields.

The public engagement efforts continued with the Fascination of Plants Day on 23 May 2024, at the CREA Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics in Fiorenzuola d’Arda. This event showcased the benefits of plant genetics in combating climate change and promoting sustainable agriculture to the general public.

Dr. Rossi has also been actively involved in media and public discussions about BOOSTER. On 21 June 2024, he participated in a 40-minute online interview discussing the project’s objectives and strategies. This interview will be published on the xFarm Technologies blog and shared on various social networks, reaching a broad audience including farmers, journalists, and researchers.

CREA remains committed to informing stakeholders about BOOSTER’s ongoing and future achievements. Upcoming initiatives include participation in the Italian Society of Agricultural Genetics SIGA annual congress and the European Researchers’ Night in September. Moreover, Dr. Rossi will present an informative seminar during a joint event for Researchers’ Night and SLOW Science on 24 September 2024, in Bologna. The event aims to make science accessible to all through interactive and engaging activities, introduce the BOOSTER project, and facilitate an interactive discussion with attendees.

These activities highlight BOOSTER’s dedication to fostering a deeper understanding of its objectives and impacts among various stakeholders. As the project continues to evolve, CREA and its partners remain committed to transparency, collaboration, and public engagement.”