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A Key Initiative for Innovative Interdisciplinary 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 exposome concept, which encompasses all interactions between plants and their environment (soil, microbiota, bio-aggressors, auxiliaries, etc.). This approach is fully in line with the One Health approach, linking plant, environmental, animal and human health. CLAPAS aims to structure the Montpellier scientific community around three priority areas of research: Mechanisms and ecology of biotic interactions in agrosystems. The role of microbiota in the adaptation of plants to their environment. Epidemio-surveillance and adaptive dynamics of bio-aggressors. This research has three main aims: to prevent risks, using tools such as ecological modelling, genomics and epidemio-surveillance. Cure, by developing innovative solutions such as the use of microbiota, metabolites or natural auxiliaries, or methods such as chemical confusion and sterile insect techniques. Strengthen resilience, by assessing the environmental, social and economic impacts of the proposed solutions. A collaborative dynamic This project brings together a number of laboratories from the "Agronomy, Environment, Biodiversity" (AEB) research cluster of the I-Site, federating several national research institutions (INRAE, IRD, Cirad, Institut Agro Montpellier, Université de Montpellier), and relies on international collaborations, particularly with countries in the South, heavily affected by climate change. CLAPAS is also involved in national and European initiatives, and collaborates with non-academic players (FREDON, Chambre d'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 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 are organized around four main initiatives: Organization of scientific events: Conferences, workshops and regular meetings will be organized to encourage 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. Projects will encourage synergies with social sciences, human or animal health, promoting innovative and integrative research. Research schools and specialized training: Training courses will be offered to researchers and doctoral students students, notably on key themes 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 carried out to gain a better understanding of how plant health is perceived by local stakeholders (e.g. shared gardens in Montpellier). At the same time, awareness-raising workshops for the general public will be organized at events such as the Fête de la Science and the project's closing symposium. These ambitious initiatives aim to structure a research community around plant health, encourage innovative and sustainable approaches, and raise society's awareness of plant health issues from a global perspective.

Catherine Alix-Panabières is an international specialist in circulating tumor cells (CTC) and liquid biopsy. A professor of oncology at the University of Montpellier and director of the Laboratoire Cells Circulantes Rares Humaines et Biopsie Liquide (LCCRH), she is the originator of the term, and has opened up a wealth of research into cancer biomarkers present in the blood, with therapeutic prospects in the offing.