Extending synthetic biology collaborations between WISB and BSSB

• Grant number: 15/50102-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: December 01, 2015
• End date: May 31, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biology
• Agreement: University of Warwick
• Mobility Program: SPRINT - Projetos de pesquisa - Mobilidade
• Principal Investigator: Marie-Anne Van Sluys
• Grantee: Marie-Anne Van Sluys
• Principal researcher abroad: Katherine J. Denby
• Institution abroad: University of Warwick, England
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 12/51062-3 - Development of an algorithm for the assembly of the sugarcane polyploid genome, AP.BIOEN.PITE

Abstract

The overall aim of this proposal is to build a productive and mutually beneficial partnership with BSSB at USP. This is one arm of our growing international Synthetic Biology Network, which also includes CoSBI (Boston), UPF (Barcelona) and CNB (Madrid). A strong partnership between WISB and BSSB will enable us to establish joint research projects that are funded through BBSRC-FAPESP. Establishing collaborations with USP will increase the competiveness of WISB scientists in part by providing a means to translate their work. In particular, expertise on microbial and plant model systems at WISB and sugarcane biology, genomics and its pathogens at BSSB will allow synthetically engineered organisms to be used for validation experiments. Similarly, a strong collaboration will help both institutes recruit very able students to Synthetic Biology, and enable regular exchanges of PDRAs, PhD students, and possibly undergraduate students. The outcomes from such arrangements will include new grant funding, novel research opportunities, and expanded training opportunities. (AU)