The AATTOL project aims at characterizing the molecular bases of tolerance to a major parasitic disease in livestock, the trypanosomosis. African animal trypanosomosis (AAT), a vector-borne disease caused by blood protozoan parasites of the genus Trypanosoma, is a major constraint to the development of cattle breeding in the humid and sub-humid zones of Africa through the high morbidity and mortality it causes. Currently, control measures based on vector control or the use of trypanocide drugs are not satisfactory and no vaccine is available. However, some taurine breeds in West Africa have the capacity to tolerate the disease: they control the proliferation of the trypanosomes and the associated-pathogenic effects, contrary to the indicine and European taurine breeds who usually die of the infection in the absence treatment. This ability, called trypanotolerance, has probably evolved as a result of selection pressure exerted by parasites on cattle populations who first colonized the endemic areas of the disease. The exploitation of the part of the host genetic variability associated to the tolerance to the disease, through the husbandry of both tolerant and productive animals, could allow controlling AAT, while decreasing the cost of the fight, its negative effects on the environment and the spread of the parasite. In addition, the characterization of the molecular bases of an effective immunity, the precise knowledge of the pathophysiology of the infection, of host-pathogen interactions and the identification of genes and physiological pathways of the host involved in trypanotolerance would allow the establishment of effective control methods based on the discovery and the use of new therapeutic molecules or the introduction of an innovative vaccine strategy targeting keys molecules of the parasite. The objectives of this project are thus to identify the molecular bases of tolerance to trypanosomosis caused by Trypanosoma congolense in West African cattle and to improve knowledge on the host-parasite interactions. We propose to jointly study the transcriptomes of the host and parasite in the blood compartment during an experimental infection of 5 West African cattle breeds. The technique we have chosen is the Digital Gene Expression, based on the use of high throughput sequencing. The specific objectives are: 1) to characterize the trypanotolerant phenotype during the experimental infection of cattle from five different breeds: the taurine trypanotolerant N'Dama breed, well described in the literature, the Fulani Zebu, a well-known indicine trypanosusceptible breed, the Baoulé and the Lagunaire, two taurine trypanotolerant breeds very little studied so far, and the Borgou, a mixed breed between the Baoulé and the Fulani Zebu, which could represent a breed with a great potential for genetic improvement to associate trypanotolerance and productivity in the future ; 2) to study the genes expression levels of the parasite and the host blood cells during an experimental infection, in order to identify genes, genes networks and biological pathways involved in trypanotolerance, to propose virulence factors of the parasite and to obtain an overview of the dialogue between the host cells and the parasite; 3) and finally to propose candidate genes potentially responsible for trypanotolerance by combining data from this work with genetic data we have, through our own works and the literature.

The SAAFE project, Soil quality Assessment in Agriculture For life cycle assessment-based Eco-design, aims to tackle the lack of accounting for land use impacts on soil quality in environmental footprints. It will provide a turnkey method within Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) based on a set of models integrating the interdisciplinary research advances. To benefit from this up-to-date research and to learn from renowned researchers, I aim to go to James Cook University, where there are rich knowledge and unique modelling groups on tropical soil processes. I will then bring back operational knowledge to Europe, where the gap in methods is still hampering the development of environmental footprint regulations, which concern a growing number of imported tropical products. Such scientific and operational developments are critical to improve the diagnostic power of LCA and ensure that LCA-based eco-designed practices enable soil functions’ resilience, hence sustainability. I will coordinate the project together with two extraordinary supervisors, A/Prof. Nelson and Dr. Perret, who have remarkable experiences in tropical soil sciences and LCA of agricultural systems, respectively, and are undeniable references in terms of project coordination and student supervision. I will also develop a complete personal career development plan along the project in order to overcome my scientific and skill gaps and surpass me. Rich from these collaborations and the experience gained through this ambitious project, I aim to move to the next stage in my career and become an internationally recognised research director. I will then build an ambitious new research programme in ecosystem services modelling and environmental assessments, combining research projects and an excellence training network to train young researchers and enhance capacity building exchanges. I also hope to become an influential expert providing advices to policy makers and contributing to make an impact for the society.

Bananas are major staple in developing countries and the most eaten fruit in Europe. Global banana production is constrained by several diseases that are responsible for yield losses and low productivity of bananas and severely compromise food security. Particularly banana production is seriously threatened by four vascular diseases, Fusarium wilt disease of banana caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense (Foc), Moko and banana blood diseases, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum and R. syzygii subsp. celebesensis, respectively) and Xanthomonas wilt of banana caused by Xanthomonas vasicola pv. musacearum. Efficiency of surveillance and plant disease management requires the availability of Point of care (POC) diagnostics that can be operated directly on site. INDICANTS project focuses on (i) the development of a low-cost multi-pathogens LAMP (Loop-mediated isothermal amplification) detection kit, and its validation via an interlaboratory test and field surveys. (ii) the evaluation of an emergent technology (CRISPR/Cas12a) for the diagnosis of Foc. (iii) the test of an innovative microneedle patch for DNA extraction from plant. This project relies on a two-way transfer of knowledge and expertise between the applicant and Stellenbosch University: the applicant will access to areas where the diseases are present, will acquire through hands-on training and training-through-research, new expertise and skills in genetics/biotechnology, thereby strengthening the future career prospects. The partner organisation will gain experience and knowledge on bacterial banana diseases and LAMP method. Actions of protection and exploitation of the outputs will be set up, with the involvement of an industrial partner. Besides the scientific publications and conferences, the results will be disseminated to different audiences: the general public (website, press and TV), plant protection services (workshops) MSc students (lectures), schoolchildren (Platform visits).