Training next level scientists and researchers to develop highly selective and safe insecticides

ended

Some of the most acute challenges that the world faces are caused by insects and mites that seriously threaten human health and food security. Their control is primarily achieved by the use of insecticides: e.g., malaria prevalence has halved since 2000, saving 660 million lives, with 80% of the reduction being attributable to the use of insecticides. However, both limited availability of low risk insecticides (“insecticides that only fight the bad bugs’) and insecticide resistance represent major threats. So, there is an urgent need to develop novel, safe insecticides. Earlier research pointed to a discriminatory role for the enzyme cytochrome P450 (CYP) in the sensitivity to insecticides. CypTox will exploit the CYP metabolic/detoxification pathway of target and non-target organisms, to develop insecticides, efficient against selected insect & mite major pests and vectors, but highly selective and safe for mammals, pollinators and the environment. Outcomes will also include significantly beyond the state of the art biotechnology platforms (high-throughput cell/enzyme- screening assays and in silico pipelines), that will advance research capabilities for future developments of low risk insecticides. CypTox will provide excellent research training within a creative and flexible environment that actively promotes the integration of academic rigor and commercial pragmatism through mobility between sectors and focused training events. The size and balance of a highly motivated consortium (6 AC/6 industrial–of which 3 SME & 3 TC; 300 well distributed secondments), the involvement of experienced PIs in Horizon2020 and ERC projects and the modern communication, dissemination and exploitation approaches will ensure efficient implementation and impact, at several levels. Enhanced career perspectives for scientists and researchers will be achieved by building a sustainable multidisciplinary and inter-sectoral network, integrating world leading researchers and stakeholders.