Thirty-nine grape and wine researchers from the EU will be funded to spend time on sabbatical at either industry organisations in the EU or at relevant research institutions in New World wine-producing companies, thanks to the more than EUR 874,000 grant from the EU within the frame of the MSCA RISE Program (Research and Innovation Staff Exchange). These placements will enhance collaborative networks, facilitate knowledge sharing and build personal relationships within the international grape and wine research community, resulting in enduring benefits for the people and organisations involved and for global wine producers.
The successful funding application was made jointly by thirteen partner organisations across the EU and the New World, all members of the Oenoviti International network:
Consortium: Université de Bordeaux (France - Coordinator), Instituto Superior de Agronomia – Universidade de Lisboa (Portugal), Università degli studi di Torino (Italy), Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa (Portugal), Instituto de Ciencias de la Vid y el Vino - ICVV (Spain), Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior De Investigaciones Cientificas – CSIC (Spain), Universitat Rovira i Virgili (Spain), Universidad Nacional de Cuyo (Argentina), Universidad de Chile (Chile), The Australian Wine Research Institute – AWRI (Australia), Bodegas Roda (Spain), Biolaffort (France), Stellenbosch University (South Africa)
Program coordinator, Prof. Pierre-Louis Teissedre from the University of Bordeaux - Institut des Sciences de la Vigne et du Vin said “The success of this funding application demonstrates the strength of international research networks such as Oenoviti International. When grape and wine scientists from around the world work together and share their expertise and knowledge, there are positive outcomes for all wine-producing countries."
Managing Director of the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI), one of the New World research organisations involved in the consortium, Dr Dan Johnson said “The AWRI is delighted to be part of this successful bid. Around 11 EU researchers from France, Portugal and Spain are expected to spend time at the AWRI in Adelaide, Australia as part of this international exchange program. AWRI scientists look forward to sharing their knowledge and learning from the high calibre visiting researchers.”
The international placements will take place across 2019 to 2023.
vWISE is a RISE in the field of viticulture and oenology, which focuses on the consequences and solutions to the impact of climatic change on vines, grapes and wines: in particular on abiotic stress on vines and grape quality and ripening with genetic exploitation, reduction of alcohol level in wine by adapted yeasts and engineering process, adapted microorganisms to prevent spoilage, wine quality changes and sensorial preservation. Climate change represents a considerable threat to the wine industry in Europe that has social and economic consequences.
More information
> on the MSCA RISE Programme here.
> on the RISE vWISE Project here.