SUS-MIRRI.IT

The main objective of this project is to strengthen the MIRRI-IT RI (research infrastructure), which is the Italian network of microorganism collections governed by the JRU MIRRI-IT (www.mirri-it.it), to ensure its long-term sustainability. The Microbial Resource Research Infrastructure (MIRRI) is the pan-European infrastructure responsible for the preservation, analysis, supply and valorisation of microbial resources and biodiversity. MIRRI has recently obtained the ‘Landmark’ status in the European Strategy Forum on the ESFRI Roadmap 2021 and is currently working to attain the status of "European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC)". The Italian Microbial Biological Resource Centres (mBRCs) have been involved in the preparatory phase of its creation from the very beginning.

Microorganisms and microbiomes are crucial for various research areas and applications such as the agri-food, environmental, biotechnological and biomedical sectors. Both as complete organisms or as products (enzymes, antibiotics, etc.), they can be exploited for the production of food, pharmaceuticals and fragrances, as well as for agricultural processes and for countering climate change. 

The project is aimed at implementing the organisation of MIRRI-IT and establishing its operational procedures and quality standards. It also seeks to improve the quality of mBRCs and to design MIRRI-IT services on the basis of the expertise and genetic resources of the partners. Other goals of the project are to establish a platform to promote resources, data, services, state-of-the-art technologies and expertise; to strengthen both relations with stakeholders and synergetic links with other research infrastructures in Italy; to develop models and plans supporting the financial sustainability of MIRRI-IT; to maximise the visibility of MIRRI-IT among potential users and civil society, both in Italy and abroad.

Role of the OGS in the project: Co-proponent.