INEXTVIR is an innovative training and research programme that aims at providing to the next generation of young researchers unparalleled professional experiences and core competencies to resolve significant challenges across multiple disciplines in the academic, industrial and regulatory sectors.

INEXTVIR proposes the use of cutting-edge Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies for studying at an unprecedented depth the virome of selected agricultural crops and ecosystems across Europe and evaluating the impact and benefits it provides at the agricultural, socio-economic and policy levels. This is a timely and exciting research field suited to and benefiting from a trans-disciplinary pan European network approach.

The work will cover virus discovery, characterization and the identification of ecological factors determining the structure and dynamics of virus populations in agricultural and wild ecosystems. This is critical to understand the epidemiology of disease and will enable informed risk assessment and decision making by the scientific and regulatory communities. In addition, the different stakeholders’ risk/benefit perceptions will be assessed enabling the development of effective communication strategies. Finally, the bioinformatics work (including data classification and presentation) and NGS method development and validation will facilitate the transfer, adoption and exploitation of innovations in plant protection and routine diagnostic settings.

In summary, INEXTVIR will enable the fellows to understand the wider context behind their research, which will maximize the impact of their work in contrast to conventional PhDs. Furthermore, they will receive training in transferable skills including project, people, quality and IP management, communication and presentation skills which jointly with the cross-border and cross-sectorial mobility will provide a unique opportunity for their career development and for improving their employability prospects.