WP1 Coordination and management of the project

The objective of WP1 is to assure a well-coordinated management of the project with focus on the coordination of the support activities (WP2 - WP6). Specifically, WP1 aims at (i) implementing efficient and strong procedures with the scope of managing and monitoring project progress, (ii) establishing the Steering and Advisory Board, (iii) guaranteeing the efficient communication between the single proposer and partnering organizations and with the Commission, (iv) ensuring the highest quality of all project deliverables and effective risk management strategy, (v) timely reaching of milestones and timely delivery of technical and contractual deliverables, (vi) implementing efficient IPR procedures and identifying exploitation opportunities, and (vii) regularly controling budget and finances.

The objective of WP2 is to recruit eleven (11) senior researchers (Ph.D. holders), preferably with competitive global research track record, so as to augment and enhance the research capacity base of A.U.Th. The Project Management Committee will be responsible for determining a procedure that will be followed for the recruitment of all candidate researchers, as well as for defining the specializations and qualifications required for the incoming researchers to be recruited in each position. Incoming researchers will work for up to 32 months each, to accomplish the objectives of the GREEN-AgriChains project. Before the project officially commences, the Project Management Committee will publicly advertise the available positions in the relevant scientific press and collaborating stakeholders, both abroad and nationally.

WP3 aims to enable and facilitate exchanges of know-how and experience through trans-national secondments including internal knowledge transfer (among A.U.Th.’s research staff) and between A.U.Th. and the invited collaborating institutions. Further, A.U.Th. will strengthen current collaborations with eleven (11) international research groups of exceptional research track record and outstanding reputation, working in similar scientific fields throughout academia and practice. Specifically, the areas investigated are sustainable farming, supply chain management, marketing, environmental management, reverse logistics and corporate social responsibility.

WP4 aims at completing the existing research capacity in terms of hardware and software capacities and use by filling-up critical "missing pieces". Specifically, WP4 aims at (i) upgrading the existing research infrastructure of A.U.Th., (ii) acquiring new electronic hardware & software that will enable A.U.Th. to increase its research and training capacity, (iii) successfully setting up the new state-of-the art equipment & software, (iv) educating personnel and researchers on the capacities of the new equipment, and (v) providing services to academic/research Institutes and SMEs involved in the Agrifood supply chains.

WP5 aims at increasing the extroversion of A.U.Th. while communicating the project’s results. WP5 objectives are (i) to communicate the acquired expertise and research results internationally through the organization of five (5) workshops and one (1) conference, (ii) to train scientists in the new technologies during the practical sections of the workshops, (iii) to attract the participation of SMEs and policy-makers, while also enhancing the visibility of GREEN-AgriChains project, (iv) to identify common research problems at national and international levels and follow state-of-the-art methodologies and emerging trends in Agrifood Supply Chains, (v) to increase the international and European presence of A.U.Th. by strengthening existing relationships, and (vi) to build-up a research network specifically with partners from EU countries and also from Southeastern Europe and the Mediterranean Basin with the aim of integration with EU research networks in the Agrifood domain.

 WP6 aims at developing a strategic Intellectual Property development plan for the GREEN-AgriChains project. 

WP7 aims at evaluating the applicant’s research potential.

Dissemination of project outcomes and resulting knowledge will be organized and implemented in the framework of this WP. WP6 is an on-going activity parallel to the project’s work flow. Dissemination starts with the communication of information about the project and its objectives as well as the organization and chairing of meetings bringing together project partners, experts and stakeholders concerned with the research subject. In this way, a forum for active interaction between scientists, practitioners and stakeholder experts will be established. Specifically, tasks will include development and maintenance of the project’s web portal including public orientated portal, email list server and electronic newsletters and brochures. Key results of the project will be presented at international conferences and workshops and will be published in peer-reviewed journals. Moreover, the interactions with stakeholders will be coordinated in the framework of the WP.