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A Key Initiative for Innovative Research in Plant Health and Agrosystems. Faced with multiple biotic and abiotic risks to plants, such as diseases, pests, climate change, and intensive agricultural practices, plant health research is a major challenge. These challenges affect not only agricultural productivity but also food security, biodiversity, and ecological balance. In this context, the CLAPAS1 initiative proposes to explore plant health through a broad approach, inspired by the concept of the exposome, which encompasses all interactions between plants and their environment (soils, microbiota, pests, beneficial organisms, etc.).. This approach is fully in line with the One Health perspective, linking plant, environmental, animal, and human health. Objectives of the Key Initiative CLAPAS aims to structure the Montpellier scientific community around three priority research areas: Mechanisms and ecology of biotic interactions in agrosystems. Role of microbiota in the adaptation of plants to their environment. Epidemiological surveillance and adaptive dynamics of pests. This research has three main objectives: Prevent risks, using tools such as ecological modeling, genomics, and epidemiological surveillance. Cure, by developing innovative solutions such as the use of microbiota, metabolites, or natural auxiliaries, or methods such as chemical confusion and the sterile insect technique. Strengthen resilience by assessing the environmental, social, and economic impacts of the proposed solutions. A Dynamic Collaboration This project brings together numerous laboratories from the "Agronomy, Environment, Biodiversity" (AEB) research cluster of the I-Site, which federates several national research institutions (INRAE, IRD, CIRAD, Institut Agro Montpellier, University of Montpellier), and draws on international collaborations, particularly with countries in the Global South, which are heavily affected by climate change. CLAPAS is also involved in national and European initiatives and collaborates with non-academic actors (FREDON, Chamber of Agriculture, specialized companies). By strengthening interdisciplinary synergies and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, CLAPAS aims to position Montpellier as a center of excellence in plant health research, resolutely focused on the challenges of tomorrow. Key actions of the CLAPAS key initiative: Plant health and an integrated approach CLAPAS implements interdisciplinary and collaborative actions to strengthen research and awareness around plant health, integrating the concepts of exposome and One Health. These actions are aimed at local scientific units and focus on four main initiatives: Organization of scientific events: Conferences, workshops, and regular meetings will be organized to promote exchanges between researchers, disseminate discoveries, and consolidate a dynamic scientific network around plant health. Support for interdisciplinary research projects: Funding will be allocated to collaborative projects between several research units, with an emphasis on training Master's students. The projects will encourage synergies with the social sciences, human or animal health, promoting innovative and integrative research. Research schools and specialized training: Training will be offered to researchers and doctoral students, particularly on key topics such as plant and environmental health, microbial communities, biodiversity, epidemiological modeling, and bioinformatics analysis. These schools aim to strengthen the skills of young scientists and research teams. Science-society interactions: Surveys will be conducted to better understand how local stakeholders perceive plant health (e.g., shared gardens in Montpellier). At the same time, awareness-raising workshops for the general public will be organized during events such as the Fête de la Science (Science Festival) or the project's closing conference. These ambitious actions aim to build a research community around plant health, encourage innovative and sustainable approaches, and raise awareness in society of the challenges related to plant health from a global perspective.

Catherine Alix-Panabières is one of the world's leading experts on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and liquid biopsies. The originator of the term, the professor of oncology at the University of Montpellier and director of the Rare Human Circulating Cells and Liquid Biopsy Laboratory (LCCRH) has initiated numerous research projects on cancer biomarkers present in the blood, with therapeutic prospects to boot.