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A Key Initiative for Innovative Research in Plant Health and Agrosystems. Given the many biotic and abiotic risks facing plants—such as diseases, pests, climate change, and intensive agricultural practices—plant health research has emerged as a major priority. 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 broader approach, inspired by the concept of the exposome, which encompasses all interactions between plants and their environment (soils, microbiomes, pests, beneficial organisms, etc.). This approach is fully aligned with the One Health perspective, linking plant, environmental, animal, and human health. Objectives of the Key Initiative CLAPAS aims to organize the Montpellier scientific community around three priority research areas: Mechanisms and ecology of biotic interactions in agrosystems. Role of microbiomes in plant adaptation to their environment. Epidemiological surveillance and adaptive dynamics of pests. This research pursues three main goals: Preventing risks, using tools such as ecological modeling, genomics, and epidemiological surveillance. To address issues by developing innovative solutions such as the use of microbiomes, metabolites, or natural allies, or methods such as chemical confusion and the sterile insect technique. Strengthening resilience by assessing the environmental, social, and economic impacts of the proposed solutions. A Collaborative Approach This project brings together numerous laboratories from the “Agronomy, Environment, Biodiversity” (AEB) research cluster at I-Site, which unites 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 impacted by climate change. CLAPAS is also part of national and European initiatives and collaborates with non-academic stakeholders (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, firmly 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 regarding plant health, integrating the concepts of the exposome and One Health. These actions are directed at local research units through four main initiatives: Organization of scientific events: Conferences, workshops, and regular meetings will be organized to foster exchanges among researchers, disseminate findings, and consolidate a dynamic scientific network focused on plant health. Support for interdisciplinary research projects: Funding will be allocated to collaborative projects involving multiple research units, with an emphasis on training Master’s students. The projects will encourage synergies with the social sciences, human health, and animal health, promoting innovative and integrative research. Research schools and specialized training: Training programs 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 local stakeholders’ perceptions of plant health (e.g., community gardens in Montpellier). At the same time, public awareness workshops will be organized during events such as the Fête de la Science or the project’s closing symposium. These ambitious initiatives aim to build a research community focused on plant health, encourage innovative and sustainable approaches, and raise public awareness of plant health issues from a global perspective.

Catherine Alix-Panabières is one of the world’s leading experts on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and liquid biopsy. As the originator of the term, the professor of oncology at the University of Montpellier and director of the Laboratory for Rare Human Circulating Cells and Liquid Biopsy (LCCRH) is spearheading numerous research projects on cancer biomarkers present in the blood, with therapeutic applications in sight.