Trait d’Union is an interface between the "social demand" for the resolution of complex problems and the capacity of the scientific community to contribute to it. Hosted by the Maison des Sciences de l’Homme SUD (Sciences et Société Unies pour un autre Développement), Trait d’Union aims to respond to the need to renew the place and role of science in the face of current socio-environmental issues. Its activity is illustrated by the support that Trait d’Union provides in the development of joint projects between researchers, civil society organizations and students. This support can be divided into three operational categories : intermediation, co-construction and incubation. The punctual support provided by Agropolis International during the years 2021 and 2022 has made it possible to support the operation of Trait d’Union by financing activities of co-construction, incubation and accompaniment of projects related to the theme of agriculture and food.
The objectives of this support were: 1) to accompany requests emanating from civil society organizations on food and agriculture issues in order to help them evolve into research problems thanks to intermediation work and contacts with researchers competent in the field of research concerned by the request; 2) to co-construct transdisciplinary research projects following a collaborative approach; 3) to allow students to be trained in research within the framework of collaborative research projects.
These resources have made it possible to organize multi-actor workshops to present the results of a project and to co-construct a new project, to support civil society actors involved in the incubation and support of transdisciplinary projects, and to finance internships as part of a project supported by Trait d’Union.
These activities have allowed us to support five requests from civil society organizations. These applications resulted in: 1) the submission of a consolidated project to the CO3 call for projects, which was selected; 2) two M2 internship topics; 3) two accompaniments that did not result in a specific project. In addition, the internship grants allowed the co-financing of a 3-month internship at the L3 level, a 3-month internship at the M1 level and a 6-month internship at the M2 level within the framework of the Cèbes Occitanes collaborative project (Fondation de France funding). This project aimed to highlight the links between the genetic diversity of local sweet onion varieties and the level of activity of the mycorrhizae with which they interact. The data produced in the framework of this project are still being valorized and have already given rise to two public presentations.
Trait d’Union is considering moving towards a thematic organization. Currently, two poles are being structured: biodiversity/environment and social action. A third pole on food and agroecology is also in gestation following the requests received and the activities already carried out on this theme thanks in particular to this punctual support.
Project Number : 1903-002
Year : 2019
Type of funding : PP
Project type : PC
Research units in the network : AGAP
Start date :
20 Jan 2020
End date :
30 Nov 2020
Flagship project :
Non
Project leader :
Mathieu Thomas
Project leader's institution :
Cirad
Project leader's RU :
AGAP
Budget allocated :
12500 €
Total budget allocated ( including co-financing) :
12500 €
Funding :
Labex