Numerous research projects have already been financially supported by the European Union since 1985 (BAP, BRIDGE, BIOTECH, ECLAIR, FAIR), the first modern biotechnology products are on the market and, in spite of the current concern about GM foods, it is clear that plant biotechnology will have significant economical and social impacts.
Since its founding in 1992, the Plant Industrial Platform has established mechanisms for the dissemination of novel research results, initiatives and the plaform has stimulated contacts between the EU scientific research community and researchers from industry. A range of methods are used to reach these goals: workshops, a printed PIP Newsletter, the PIP NewsBrief and the PIP NewsAlert by email, this website and co-operation with EU science networks. Membership to the Plant Industrial Platform is therefore essential to gain rapid access to information concerning EU plant biotechnology and EU funding schemes.
PIP Newsletter.
In this regular publication new research activities are highlighted as well as new EU funding schemes, programme developments, company profiles, full address details of new contacts, proceedings of past meetings, progress reports of specific research fields and upcoming activities.
PIP NewAlert.
An Email service for urgent matters, general news items and information on a range of publications, pertaining to agro-biotechnology, collected from the Internet or from other sources.
Research meetings.
PIP members are invited to otherwise restricted research meetings, as organised by the project coordinators from the different EU funded programmes.
PIP workshops / members meeting.
The organised workshops have proven to be instrumental in bringing together specialists from different fields of interest: science, companies, patent lawyers. These and the annual members meeting offer a great oppertunity to exchange ideas, contribute to education and build lasting relationships.
Involvement in the EU Framework Programmes.
PIP's objectives are: promotion of achievements by FP projects ; enhancement of interactions between EU industry and academia and stimulation of the awareness of the benefits of plant biotechnology to society. PIP members profit from PIP's involvement through direct access to up to date information.