ChemBioFun

The overall objective of CHEMBIOFUN is to explore the fundamental and biotechnological potentials of fungal metabolites in order to understand their environmental impact and provide original bio-based products for pharmaceutical, agronomy and cosmeceutical industry. Fungi are widespread in nature and have conquered nearly every ecological niche. Because they compete with other microbes or animals, fungi have developed numerous survival mechanisms, including the production of chemical mediators which exhibit a wide range of biological activities with potential for various applications in industry, health and agronomy. Although fungi constitute an incredibly and still untapped source of original bioactive compounds, they remain an underexplored group of organisms for such compounds. The study of fungal secondary metabolites is experiencing a revival of interest thanks to numerous scientific advances in biology, chemistry and omics technologies. Therefore, transdisciplinary and integrative approaches to develop new concepts and tools with the aim of deciphering the biosynthesis of fungal compounds, their ecological roles and their environmental impacts are strongly needed. New methods for large-scale production of such promising compounds, using fermentation-based, fossil energy-free and environmentally compatible industrial processes, are also needed. Addressing these major societal challenges requires long-term investment, and thus there is an urgent need to train students that will be capable of implementing multidisciplinary strategies in the future. CHEMBIOFUN goal is thus to be an international PhD programme for highly motivated young scientists, offering to 10 early-stage researchers (ESRs) the opportunity to improve their research and entrepreneurial skills and enhance their career prospects. Support from MRSEI will allow the CHEMBIOFUN consortium to efficiently prepare a grant proposal for the call “HORIZON-MSCA-2022-DN-01”