As EFA is highly involved in European research projects such as CURE or 3TR, we attended a discussion on the future of European Health research in late January. The event, organized by the Federation of European Academies of Medicine (FEAM) and the BioMed Alliance, was held in the premises of the Brussels European Parliament.
Co-hosting the debate, Members of the European Parliament Cristian Bușoi (EPP, Romania) and Maria da Graça Carvalho (EPP, Portugal) opened the event. Following their introductory remarks, co-host Dr Petra De Sutter (Greens/EFA, Belgium) spoke about added-value, opportunities and challenges of publicly-funded clinical trials.
Clinical research, European Health Data Space, Horizon Europe
In the following, researchers as well as European Commission representatives provided insights into clinical research, the European Health Data Space and opportunities for health research in Horizon Europe.
It could be seen from presentations that a proper legislative framework, secured funding and cross- sectoral and cross-border cooperation is key for researchers to access new developments and technologies - with the final aim to develop and implement new innovations for improving patients’ well-being.
Solutions to transform EU Health research
In a panel discussion with researchers, Commission representatives, pharmaceutical industry but also patients (represented by the European Patients’ Forum), solutions for transforming EU Health research were debated.
The discussion focussed on the need of having a cooperative, inclusive and standardised approach that also allows for necessary research funding. Yet EFA was happy to also see agreement among panellists that the role of patients in research is of great importance and might help to lead research to where action is required.
The agenda and more information on the event can be found here.