Collaborative synergy between NutriEV and FarmEVs projects
The EU-funded NutriEV and FarmEVs projects are fostering knowledge exchange and skill development through an informal collaboration. Two NutriEV partners, the University of Oulu and the National Research Council of Italy (CNR), are also involved in the FarmEVs project and have identified opportunities to benefit both initiatives.
The research teams led by Seppo Vainio in Oulu and Gabriella Pocsfalvi in Naples are actively participating in both NutriEV and FarmEVs, focusing on the study of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and plant-derived nanoparticles from different perspectives. The NutriEV focuses on tracking nutrition and health benefits of plants mediated by EVs via in vivo research and biosensor development. The FarmEVs project aims to develop extracellular vesicle-based solutions for human and plant health by optimizing vegetable-derived EV production and creating innovative methodologies for their characterization and engineering. More information about FarmEVs can be found here.
Although the two projects pursue different goals, they utilize similar methodologies and techniques. The project partners at University of Oulu and CNR have chosen to align their efforts to foster cross-pollination of information between research sites and maximize efficient transfer of technological and scientific knowledge between the partners. Some of the upcoming joint initiatives such as learning new techniques, seminars on new technologies and conducting researcher exchanges may enhance the outcomes of both projects.
“We expect this collaboration to help us reduce time and effort while gaining new perspectives and opportunities. We can also envision that monitoring EVs by biosensors will be very beneficial for gaining additional health benefits and business opportunities from advanced sustainable farming protocols and our nutrition as well” says Vainio.
“It will also foster innovation and encourage learning through shared expertise that would be very beneficial for young staff researchers who are in secondment in Oulu or Naples”, explained Pocsfalvi.