BioReGent brings together six centres and universities specialised in the area of improvement of forest and agro ecosystems by means of bioremediation and biological control agents. This network covers a unique set of competencies, expertises, infrastructures and training possibilities. The overall objective of this proposal is the establishment of a small network of specialised scientists from both the EU and Canada. This network will be focused on developing a more detailed fundamental understanding of how certain beneficial soil bacteria and fungi can facilitate the growth and development of plants. Concomitant with understanding the mechanisms involved in the microbial promotion of plant and tree growth, members of the network will develop and test schemes that are of practical (and possibly also commercial) interest in agriculture, horticultural, silviculture and environmental cleanup (i.e., phytoremediation). In our experience, effective collaboration which includes a true synergism, exchange of ideas and learning from one another is generally dependent upon good personal relationships between the collaborators – many members of the consortium have cooperated with each other with each other successfully in the past. We hope that the planned exchanges will foster a long term collaborative relationship between our groups, and teach our students a variety of new skills, approaches and ways of thinking. The ultimate goal of BioReGent is to deliver more effective treatments to diseases and pollution of forest and agro ecosystems, according to the actual philosophy in the European context of preservation of the ecosystems. The dynamic research program in an area of great demand offers outstanding training opportunities for future careers of the young researchers.