Objective 1.1

Establish and Manage the Integrated Breeding Platform

The three aspects of this component, establishment, portal and helpdesk will be achieved through separate activities.

• Activity 1.1.1 Establishment of the Integrated Breeding Platform (Graham McLaren, GCP)

Establish Steering Committee terms of reference and activities and appoint members. The Steering Committee will include representation from the private sector, the use case teams, users, and the GCP. Link Use-case requirements to platform development through use-case representation on the steering committee. Develop a platform business plan in collaboration with the steering committee and a communication strategy in collaboration with GCP communication experts.

• [MBPP: Activity 1.1.2] Develop and deploy the molecular breeding portal (Diego González-de-León, GCP)

Work with use-case representatives and portal developers to design develop and test portal elements. Liaise with developers and service providers to ensure updates and access to applications and services.

• Activity 1.1.3 Establish Integrated Breeding Platform helpdesk and coordinate training and communication activities (Diego González-de-León, GCP)

Establish and implement helpdesk protocols and procedures with use case representatives and partners requiring guidance, training and assistance with applications and services, or who are unable to use the portal. Promote communication between users, service providers, developers and other stakeholders in the platform through an annual meeting and internet-based collaboration tools.

• Activity 1.1.4 Establish and support crop molecular breeding Communities of Practice (Diego González-de-León, GCP)

Establish networks for molecular breeding in regions requiring enhanced support and capacity. Work with communities in these networks by providing tailored capacity in infrastructure, human resource development and technical backstopping. Support the development of Communities of Practice by connecting appropriate groups of crop researchers, mainly breeders, involved in the user cases and willing to share a free flow of experiences and information on modern breeding methods and best field practices.