Agroecology Reading time 2 min
GreenFieldData: a European network of excellence for training and research in digital agroecological innovation
PRESS RELEASE - Placing people at the centre of technological solutions to support the agroecological transition, the European GreenFieldData project — led by INRAE’s Technologies and Information Systems for Agrosystems (TSCF) research unit and involving 40 public and private partners — aims to train a new generation of outstanding researchers. Over a five-year period, 14 international PhD candidates will develop innovations in the management and analysis of data from smart sensors and connected robotic systems for agroecology. They will work closely with end users — farmers, field practitioners and companies — through a broad network spanning seven European countries. This approach is designed to ensure that the solutions developed are both robust and relevant.
Published on 02 March 2026
One of eight projects selected across all disciplines under the joint doctoral call, GreenFieldData aims to better align the digital and ecological transitions in agriculture. The project combines high-level research with interdisciplinary training spanning data science, data engineering, artificial intelligence, sustainable agriculture, connected objects and robotics. The 14 PhD candidates will receive tailored training provided by academic partners and the 28DIGITAL organisation, working alongside private-sector partners, covering both technical and transferable skills — including cybersecurity, gender equity, CSR (corporate social responsibility), agriculture and robotics, as well as core agronomy principles.
Between 2026 and 2031, a monthly event dedicated to agricultural data will strengthen the expertise of the young researchers in this strategic field, enabling them to explore topics that are rarely accessible within a conventional doctoral programme.
Double degree and intersectoral immersion
A key feature of the project is that all doctoral research will be carried out under joint supervision between two laboratories working on complementary topics, thereby providing a double PhD degree and an interdisciplinary research context. These co-supervision arrangements will foster long-term partnerships between universities, supporting the development of framework agreements and future collaborative initiatives.
Each PhD candidate will also complete placements of one to six months in two companies based in different countries, providing hands-on experience of real-world conditions and a strong intersectoral perspective.
Project at a glance
A unique partnership comprising 18 academic partners and 22 private-sector companies.
GreenFieldData is coordinated by Sandro Bimonte of INRAE’s TSCF unit in Clermont-Ferrand. INRAE’s PIAF and UREP units are also involved in the co-supervision of PhD candidates. The project was developed with support from INRAE Transfert, INRAE’s subsidiary specialising in the set-up and management of European projects.
INRAE Coordination – 40 partners: INRAE (FR), PUT (PL), UniPD (IT), UniMI, AU (DK), ULiege (BE), ULB (BE), UCD (IR), CNRS (FR), UniTOU (FR), IST (PT), UCA (FR), UL1 (FR), DCU (IR), DTU (DK), 28DGTL (EU), Awé (BE), CGI (FR), L-PIT (PL), WODR (PL), ITTI (PL), CHive (FR), Up2E (IT), Neusta (FR), TIRL (BE), Sherpa (FR), SIDAM (FR), Conpleks (DK), Recyclo (BE), Manitou (FR), ISPHERE (), APAP (PT), TFIG (PT), Probayes (FR), ISOL (IT), Mistras (FR), M2Geo (IR), INP (FR), UT2 (FR), UT3 (FR).
Projet Horizon MSCA – 2024 – DN – JD 101226371
This project is funded by the European Commission through the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions - Joint Doctorate programme under Horizon Europe (2026–2031, Pillar 1).