The close interconnection between Research and the BOOST program is a major asset of the program:

  • A majority of classes take place on the premises of the Institut Sophia Agrobiotech (ISA) which facilitates direct contact with the ISA scientific community
  • Most of courses are given by researchers (from ISA or invited), to provide the students with a large and top of the art view on scientific, technical questions and challenges about Biocontrol and related topics
  • Moreover, BOOST students are directly exposed to external professionals and stake-holders, who give classes or supervise mentored projects
  • Futher reinforced with the BOOST Winter School, a unique opportunity for students to connect with the major actors of the biocontrol & biostimulant communities

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A word from the director

Welcome to BOOST website!
First, let me congratulate you on deciding to explore the fascinating world of plants, and the wealth of ecosystems they associate with, for your future career! As we gather information about how plants and ecosystems work – and how we can make them work for us – this world becomes increasingly fascinating… but also challenging.

The United Nations declared 2020/2021 as the International Year of Plant Health (IYPH) to raise global awareness on how protecting plant health can help end hunger, reduce poverty, protect the environment, and boost economic development. It is essential that we come together to address these challenges.

So, with the BOOST Team from Université Côte d’Azur and Institut Sophia Agrobiotech and partners, we designed a new international training program to focus on plant health in a new light, and to find yourself ready to shake this world up.

The BOOST staff, and myself, aim to play an active role in your learning - encompassing biology, chemistry, new technologies, environmental laws, management, communication skills and teamwork (see BOOST program) - helping you to acquire not just knowledge but also skills that will allow you adapt to an ever-changing environment.

As BOOST students you are setting out on a path that leads to a career in the plant health sector. Whether you choose this master’s degree to enter the world of  work or for your future PhD project, I hope you will always remember your time with BOOST as one of growth – both personal and professional (see BOOST student's testimonials) – towards becoming the top-level professionals that the future needs.

Finally, on behalf of the teaching staff, supervisors, and MIO staff of the BOOST MSc, I offer our best wishes, first for your application (see how to apply to BOOST MSc) and second as you set out on these two years of learning, new experiences, and shared moments.

Laetitia Perfus-Barbeoch Zurletto
BOOST director
on behalf of BOOST Team

Pedagogical and selecting committee

Dr. Pierre Abad
Pr. Eric Boncompagni
Pr. Pierre Frendo
Dr. Anne-Violette Lavoir
Pr. Marylène Poirié