ViroiDoc Project

About the project

ViroiDoc is an international and multidisciplinary doctoral network focused on understanding and tackling viroids, small RNA pathogens that threaten global crop production. Aligned with the European Green Deal and the Farm-to-Fork strategy, the project contributes to sustainable agriculture and food security.

Through a consortium of academic and industry partners, ViroiDoc trains 10 doctoral candidates (MSCA fellows) in an interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral environment, equipping them with the skills and experience needed for careers in research, biotechnology, and agricultural innovation.

Research focus areas

Viroids are the smallest known plant pathogens consisting of a single circular RNA molecule. Annually, they are responsible for crop losses in the millions of euros worldwide. These losses impact both crop yields and quality. The international trade and climate change have enabled the spread of viroids to new geographical regions and hosts, thereby threatening global food security.

Viroid-like RNAs have only recently been discovered outside the plant kingdom using advanced sequencing technologies and computational analyses. Their exact functions remain largely unknown. Some viroid-like RNAs are infectious and capable of autonomous replication. For instance, a few viroid-like RNAs have been found to successfully infect fungi and human oral and gut bacteria.

What ViroiDoc aims to achieve?

Close the knowledge gaps

Close the knowledge gaps

  • Molecular mechanisms of viroid pathogenesis
  • Viroid and viroid-like RNA-host interactions
  • Viroid intra- and intercellular trafficking
Assess the risks

Assess the risks

  • Global warming on viroid infections
  • Characterize new viroids and viroid-like RNAs
Develop viroid diagnostics

Develop viroid diagnostics

  • CRISPR/Cas- and sensor-based devices
  • Early detection
  • Surveillance on the field
Provide viroid interventions

Provide viroid interventions

  • Breeding targets
  • Inducers of plant immunity
  • RNA-based biopesticides
  • Antiviroidal agents
Enhance the quality of university curricula

Enhance the quality of university curricula

  • Innovative training modules
  • Benefit student career paths
Create collaborative RNA-oriented ecosystem

Create collaborative RNA-oriented ecosystem

  • Shared scientific protocols and methods
  • Open access to early data and results
  • Regular staff exchanges
  • Establish strategic partnerships

ViroiDoc Consortium

ViroiDoc brings together 22 academic and industrial partners from 11 countries, combining expertise in viroid research, biotechnology, innovation, entrepreneurship support, and researcher training. Together, they foster scientific excellence and equip early-career researchers with the skills needed for successful careers both within and beyond academia. More about partners.

Horizon Europe MSCA

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) under the EU research framework programme Horizon Europe support excellence in research and innovation. The MSCA funds doctoral and postdoctoral programmes and collaborative research and innovation projects with various calls. ViroiDoc project is funded through the Horizon Europe – MSCA Doctoral Networks. 

About MSCA

The programme promotes the uptake of the principles of the Charter for Researchers and the objectives of the European framework for research careers by improving recruitment and working conditions and setting standards for researchers. The MSCA also make a notable contribution to the reform of research assessment systems, promoting a broad definition of excellence and diverse career paths, in line with the European Commission’s commitment to the process initiated by the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA).

About MSCA Doctoral Networks Action

Doctoral Networks implement programmes to recruit and train doctoral candidates in academia and other sectors, including industry, businesses, and public administrations. The scheme includes the development of joint degrees, including a possible European degree, and industrial doctorates, training doctoral candidates in academia and other sectors, including industry and business.