Introduction
The goal of the MolConnect initiative is the establishment of a communication and information platform at the interface between functional genomîcs research and biodiversity and ecosystems research for the subsequent development of joint project initiatives. Furthermore, the initiative will create a link between European and Latin American researchers. To support the development of new joint activities a workshop will be held in September 2006 to facilitate the fact finding and partnering process. The result will be a database available via a homepage comprising information on the scientific areas, partners, institutions and other information valuable for the community.
The main focus of the activities will be set on biodiversity research. The investigation of the functional roles of all species of an ecosystem is not feasible, primarily due to the complexity of the system and to our incomplete knowledge of its biological inventory. Tools have already been developed for biodiversity and ecosystems research.
But these tools are limited for throughput and their spectrum of applications. The application opportunities of the novel developments in Life Sciences and biotechnology represent a new potential to discuss the use and application of functional genomics tools for biodiversity research. With the proposed initiative, we will meet the demands of the EC and LA for the development of sustainable and responsible policies in the areas of Life Sciences and biotechnology which are regarded as highly potential frontier technologies in the coming decades.
Discussions about the technological potential in Life Sciences and biotechnology have to respond to political, safety, ethical and gender issues. Although these issues will not be given highest priority within the proposed support action they will be matter of consideration.
Of high importance is the coordination of the support activity with a partner in Latin America. We have the opportunity to organise the workshop in cooperation with a partner in Colombia, the Facultad de Agronomía and the Instituto de Biotecnología of the Universidad Nacional de Colombia. The meeting will take place in Bogotá.