The European Heart Network (EHN) has joined forces with leading health stakeholders to address the critical challenges facing Europe’s health research landscape. In this joint statement, we highlight the need to protect and effectively fund health research and innovation within the next European Framework Programme (FP10). As Europe’s health systems face increasing pressures, it is crucial that health research and innovation remain a key priority in the forthcoming Framework Programme.
This joint statement outlines key recommendations and advances six priorities to enhance the effectiveness and impact of FP10, further strengthening Europe’s world-class health research and innovation ecosystem. The recommendations include safeguarding dedicated health funding and maintaining a stand-alone research programme, alongside streamlining administrative processes to reduce barriers for applicants.
Additionally, we advocate for a balanced approach between basic and applied research, ensuring progress while also facilitating implementation to maximise benefits for patients, healthcare professionals, and health systems.
We also emphasise the importance of fostering collaborative research between public and private partners, improving stakeholder engagement to bridge the science-industry-society gap, and promoting excellence to attract and retain talent within the European R&I ecosystem.
These measures are essential to prepare European health systems to address public health emergencies, build resilience against climate-related risks, tackle long-term challenges such as non-communicable diseases, and alleviate pressures on the health and care workforce.
Read the full statement and join us in advocating for a stronger, more resilient European health research framework.