Final Report Summary - MYCO-GLOBE (Integration of mycotoxin and toxigenic fungi research for food safety in global system) Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites of fungi that can be produced by a wide range of agricultural commodities and under a diverse range of conditions. Their presence in foods and feeds poses a major threat to human and animal health as they are responsible for toxicities, including the induction of cancer and digestive blood and nerve defects. The MYCO-GLOBE project aimed to implement the outcome of a wide range of European research initiatives in the area of mycotoxins and toxigenic fungi by supporting, stimulating and facilitating the participation and cooperation with countries that had signed bilateral scientific and technological cooperation agreements with the European Union. More specifically, the project objectives were to: 1. create a consortium of international experts 2. identify priorities of common interest by sharing results of the European research with the major international networks in the field 3. address the evaluation of research policy through conferences focussed on advanced research tools 4. improve co-operation practices by transfer of knowledge to developing countries and sharing information with advanced third countries via workshops and short mobility missions. Firstly, the sectoral state of the art was analysed in order to define the specific project objectives and challenges that had to be addressed. A range of activities were undertaken to ensure the successful project completion and useful conclusions were derived. Knowledge dissemination activities were also undertaken, aiming to communicate advances in genomics, biodiversity and new technologies in detection systems for mycotoxins and toxigenic fungi. In addition, MYCO-GLOBE was anticipated to assist future researches in reducing, and ultimately eliminating, the adverse effects of mycotoxin contamination on the profitability of agriculture and related industries, as well as in increasing the safety of food and feed supplies throughout the world. Various documents were therefore produced and conferences to share the project findings were organised. Finally, the exchange of researchers between the European Union and advanced third countries, such as United States of America and Canada, was motivated through technology sharing, avoiding duplication of efforts and establishing cooperations through meetings, workshops and short mobility fellowships. Related documents Final Report - MYCO-GLOBE (Integration of mycotoxin and toxigenic fungi research for food safety in global system)
