PIP newsletter #5

PIP Newsletter 5: May 1994

PIP draws your attention to the following issues:

1. PIP position paper.

The Framework IV Programme enters a third phase in which a detailed description of the various activities will be developed. In order to contribute to this process, the Plant Industrial Platform will prepare a position paper addressing its views on the immediate and future research needs for the plant-biotechnology and breeding industry. The Steering Committee of the Platform will formulate recommendations for the effective implementation of European Community R&D programmes and activities.
PIP members are, with emphasis, invited to contribute to this process at this significant point in time (see page 2).

2. AMICA science board.

The management of the Project of Technological Priority, 'Plant Molecular Genetics for an Environmentally Compatible Agriculture', have made it clear that they welcome interest from and interaction with industry.
The Plant Industrial Platform has now been asked to nominate a person to be representative of industry on the AMICA Science Board.

3. T-programme 'Arabidopsis' meeting.

A joint BRIDGE/ESSA meeting is planned in Cambridge 26-29th July. For programme results, see page 3. Plant Industrial Platform members have been invited to participate. A PIP round table discussion is now proposed on the last day of the meeting, focussing on the theme: 'How do we get the best competitive advantage out of European funded research projects'.

4. BRIDGE programme meeting on self-incompatibility.

The coordinators of the two BRIDGE programmes (see page 11, BIOT CT.90.0172 and 90.0174) invite PIP members to the last day of their final meeting, June 10th in Lyon.

5. Biomonitoring database on CD-ROM.

The US National Biological Impact Assessment Program's Biomonitoring Database is available on CD-ROM. The database is a compilation of records and reports pertaining to the safety of field testing genetically modified organisms. (see page 14).