The EU's Seventh Research Framework Programme (FP7)

08 September 2009
by inadim -- last modified 08 September 2009

The objective of health research under the European Union's FP7 programme is to improve the health of European citizens and boost the competitiveness of health-related industries and businesses, as well as address global health issues.

The Health theme is a major theme of the Cooperation programme and the EU has earmarked a total of € 6.1 billion for funding this theme over the duration of FP7.

The specific programme on 'Cooperation' supports all types of research activities carried out by different research bodies in trans-national cooperation and aims to gain or consolidate leadership in key scientific and technology areas. FP7 allocates EUR 32.4 billion to the Cooperation programme. The budget will be devoted to supporting collaborative projects across the European Union and beyond. The Cooperation programme is sub-divided into ten distinct themes, the first of which is Health.

What will be funded?

Priority will be given to the following activities:

• Biotechnology, generic tools and technologies for human health - producing knowledge that will be applied in the area of health and medicine;
• Translating research for human health - making sure that basic discoveries have practical benefits and improve the quality of life;
• Optimising the delivery of health care to European citizens - ensuring that the results of biomedical research will ultimately reach the citizens;

while underlying child health, health of the ageing population and gender-related health as overarching issues of the Health theme. As translation of basic discoveries into clinical applications is one of the main objectives of this theme, clinical research is expected to be a major tool used in the funded projects.

Inclusion of 'high-tech' SMEs in most projects throughout the work programme is a priority of the Health theme.

International cooperation is an important aspect of FP7 and is an integral part of Theme 1 on Health Research.

Special attention will be given to communicating research outcomes and engaging in dialogue with civil society, in particular with patient groups, at the earliest possible stage, of new developments arising from biomedical and genetics research.

The FP7 Health Research - General Information Flyer

Source: European Commission