What is ERGO
Current subjects:
- Forms for final reports can be found through the option 'programma information' in the righthand menu (or directly: the option 'downloads' in the right hand menu of the Dutch language version of this page). Reports on the project as a whole ('koepelprojecten') can be submitted electronically through IRIS. Reports on sub-projects, that have not been sepaerately submitted through IRIS, are not recognized by the IRIS module. For questions, please contact Vanessa Nieboer (v.nieboer@nwo.nl).
- ERGO is organising its final symposium in February 2012 in Amsterdam. The most relevant information is sent by mail to those invited, but some background information can be found on this website in future.
The research programme Ecology Regarding Genetically modified Organisms (ERGO, (2007-2012) has following research question, aims and themes.
Before any gene modified crop can be grown or processed in Europe, it has to pass an extensive admission procedures. Based on data on the ecology of the modified crop, non-modified crop and wild relatives in the local flora, ánd based on the relations such plants have with their surroundings, like soil organism, creeping and/or flying animals. Together these findings contribute to an ecological risk assessment and an assessment whether the ecological risks involved are 'acceptable' or not.
During discussions about the Integral Report on Biotechnology (2001-2002), parliament and the secretary for the environment agreed that adequate evaluation of new generations of genetically modified crops would require additional ecological knowledge.
For more information regarding the origin of this programme, please click here.
Aim
Based on 3 studies commissioned by a VROM advisory committee, the Commitee on Genetic Modification or COGEM, the Earth- and Life Sciences Council of NWO has developed and implemented a research programme. ERGO aims at providing the 4 commissioning ministries, and other main users (e.g. COGEM, but also innovative breeding and/or processing firms), with ecological knowledge and insights meeting the highest scientific standards. Both during evaluation of proposals as during the implementation of granted projects, applicability and scientific quality both are necessary preconditions and equally important. The programme fits well with ALW's ambitions regarding valorisation.
To mobilize as many Dutch sources of knowledge and know-how as possible, the programme is open to institutions like Institutions for higher learning (HBO) that can not normally apply at NWO.
Themes
The Research programme encompasses 3 research themes that were identified in the COGEM-commissioned studies:
- multitrophic interactions regarding gene-modified crops,
- effects of hybridisation and introgression between crops and their wild relatives,
- effects of gene-modified crops on soil ecosystem functioning.
Duration
The programme runs from 2007 until the end of 2012. More information about the programme can be found here.
Financial aspects
The programme is entirely financed by the 4 commissioning ministries (VROM, EZ, LNV en OCW) by means obtained through an ICRE-grant. ICRE stands for Inter-ministerial commitee on spatial economy. The funds originate from teh FES-fund, also known as 'extra natural gass proceeds'. FES stands for Fund for strenthening the economical structure.
ALW has developed the programme, and is responsible for its implementation, but, just like NWO as a whole, it isn't involved in financing it.
Budget
The entire programme has a budget of 10 million euro.
For 'classical research projects and -programmes the budget amounts to 8.8 million euro. Besides, 2 times 300.000 euro is set aside for initiatives, be it in the form of projects or not, addressing communication and integration/incorporation.