Expert clusters
The Expert Cluster platform of MIRRI-ERIC is an online public virtual collaborative space to promote interaction among different research and innovation actors (researchers in the public domain, companies, policy makers, etc.) and across sector boundaries.
This platform allows, among other things, the access to a wide selection of experts and to advisory services related to the use of microbial resources.
The implementation of the clusters of expertise is on-going. Currently, you can access the public forum about Legal/Regulatory Issues & Standards associated with the use of microbial resources here.
The clusters on other topics (see below) will come soon. Until then, you can reach our experts contacting us at access@mirri.org.
There are a number of legal and ethical aspects that the users need to consider when working with microorganisms. Therefore, the Legal/Regulatory Issues & Standards expert cluster aims to support stakeholders in the compliant use of microbial resources.
Specific topics/sub-topics of expertise
– Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) in the frame of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Nagoya Protocol.
– Agreements for the transfer or the deposit of microbial resources (MTA and MDA).
– Biosafety: Safe use of the microbial resources, protecting the health of the workers and the environment.
– Biosecurity: Prevention of the misuse of microbial resources.
– Budapest Treaty: Deposit of microbial resources in International Depository Authorities (IDA) for the purpose of patent procedures.
– Intellectual Property Rights associated with the use of microbial resources.
MIRRI brings together a significant pool of expertise that can help researchers and companies delivering the maximum value and impacts from their research and innovation projects, processes, technologies or products in the domains of Health & Food, Agro-Food and Environment & Energy.
Specific topics/sub-topics of expertise
– Research on pathogenic microorganisms and human / human-animal infectious diseases.
– Research & Development of new (bio)pharmaceuticals / therapeutic solutions (including antimicrobials, vaccines, phage therapies and microbiome therapeutics – for human use).
– Research & Development of new, safe, healthy and sustainable food and feed products.
– Resources and methods for biological management of soils and crops.
– Resources and methods for biomonitoring and/or bioremediation of microbial pathogens, persistent organic pollutants and plastics in soils and waters.
– Research & Development of renewable biobased chemicals, materials and bioenergy sources.
Specific topics/sub-topics of expertise
– Taxonomy (bacteria).
– Taxonomy (archaea).
– Taxonomy (yeast).
– Taxonomy (filamentous fungi).
– Taxonomy (microalgae).
– Taxonomy (cyanobacteria).
– Taxonomy (virus).
MIRRI-ERIC partners have a broad expertise in the bioprospection of different environments as well as the cultivation and preservation of a wide diversity of microbial resources. This clusters aims to share knowledge on these issues among MIRRI stakeholders.
Specific topics/sub-topics of expertise
– Bioprospection, Cultivation & Preservation (bacteria).
– Bioprospection, Cultivation & Preservation (archaea).
– Bioprospection, Cultivation & Preservation (yeast).
– Bioprospection, Cultivation & Preservation (filamentous fungi).
– Bioprospection, Cultivation & Preservation (microalgae).
– Bioprospection, Cultivation & Preservation (cyanobacteria).
– Bioprospection, Cultivation & Preservation (cell lines).
– Bioprospection, Cultivation & Preservation (phages).
– Bioprospection, Cultivation & Preservation (virus).
– Bioprospection, Cultivation & Preservation (microbiota).
Specific topics/sub-topics of expertise
– MALDI-TOF MS.
– Whole Genome sequencing and analysis.
– Culturomics.
– Digital technologies & FAIR data.
Besides the public forum, our experts can be available for confidential consultations and collaborations under mutually agreed terms. For these types of requests please contact us at access@mirri.org
