The Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology at Mendel University in Brno (LDF MENDELU) organised a seminar dedicated to the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) under Horizon Europe. The seminar brought together representatives of the Technology Centre Prague, the European Research Executive Agency, and researchers from universities in Brno. The EuAsiaN-ROOT and FRAGILE projects, implemented within the MSCA Staff Exchanges scheme, illustrated how Horizon Europe funding supports international research networks based on mobility, knowledge transfer, capacity building and long-term scientific collaboration.
Lucie Stewart and Ludmila Tysjačna, National Contact Points for Horizon Europe at the Technology Centre Prague, introduced MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships and Doctoral Networks. Their presentation highlighted the international, interdisciplinary and intersectoral character of MSCA and explained the opportunities available at different stages of a research career. Postdoctoral Fellowships support individual research projects undertaken by postdoctoral researchers, while Doctoral Networks enable institutions to develop innovative doctoral programmes, including industrial and joint doctorates.
Presentation: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships and Doctoral Networks
Marina Royer-Toupitsyna from the European Research Executive Agency introduced the MSCA Staff Exchanges scheme. Staff Exchanges under Horizon Europe focus on mobility in research and innovation, with the aim of promoting international, intersectoral and interdisciplinary cooperation. The scheme supports the mobility of research and innovation staff, knowledge transfer between participating organisations, collaboration between academic and non-academic sectors, and cooperation across countries. Participation is not limited to researchers; administrative, managerial and technical staff involved in research and innovation activities can also take part. Individual secondments may last from one to twelve months and can be divided into several stays. For participating organisations, Staff Exchanges provide opportunities to strengthen research and innovation capacity, build international networks and facilitate knowledge transfer. For individual participants, they offer opportunities to develop transferable skills, gain international experience, expand professional networks and enhance career prospects.
Presentation: MSCA Staff Exchanges
EuAsiaN-ROOT – Eurasian Network for Collaborative Research on Tree Root-Mycorrhizal-Pathogen Interactions in Forest Soils
EuAsiaN-ROOT aims to improve understanding of the role of tree fine roots and mycorrhizal fungi in nutrient acquisition and carbon sequestration across different Eurasian forest biomes. At the same time, the project investigates abiotic and biotic pressures, particularly soil pathogens, that influence these important ecosystem functions. The project has established a common research framework spanning tropical, temperate and continental forests, enabling direct comparisons among Eurasian forest biomes using common research methods. Its scientific objectives include comparing functional microbial communities and tree fine-root traits, investigating belowground biomass inputs to soil carbon sequestration, studying the role of fungal mineral weathering in nutrient acquisition, and improving understanding of interactions between mycorrhizal fungi and soil pathogens.
The consortium connects Mendel University in Brno with partners in Germany, Italy, Thailand, Mongolia and Kazakhstan, creating an international platform for comparative forest ecosystem research across Eurasia.
FRAGILE – Frankincense Resilience through Actions for Global Involvement and Local Empowerment
FRAGILE combines expertise in taxonomy, genetics, ecology, chemistry, conservation and socio-economic research to improve understanding of Boswellia species and frankincense-producing ecosystems. The project will revise species classification using genetic and morphological data, assess the conservation status of Boswellia populations through field inventories, investigate population genetics and ecological interactions, and examine responses to climate and environmental change. Research will also explore the chemical composition and bioactivity of Boswellia resin and honey, while investigating the socio-economic dimensions of frankincense harvesting, value chains and community-based conservation.
The European consortium includes Mendel University in Brno and partners from Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland and Norway. The international network is further extended through partners in Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, Yemen, Oman, Somalia and the United Kingdom. This broad geographical partnership reflects long-term international scientific cooperation focused on Boswellia species and frankincense-producing ecosystems. FRAGILE builds on decades of field research and international collaboration associated with MENDELU. The foundations of this cooperation date back to research activities initiated in 1999 and the gradual development of a broad international scientific network.
Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
