Research in the EU
List of Allergy and Asthma EU-funded research projects
This website presents an overview of EU Allergy and Asthma Research projects funded by various EU research framework programmes as well as related news and publications.
http://ec.europa.eu/research/allergyInnovative Medicines Initiative (IMI)
On May 15, the European Commission adopted proposals for the first ever Europe-wide public-private R&D partnerships. One of these so-called Joint Technology Initiatives (JTIs) is on Innovative Medicines. The aim is for the JTI to pool industry, Member States and Commission resources into targeted research programmes. Instead of case-by-case funding of projects, the JTIs intend to move to fund large-scale research programmes dedicated to common strategic research targets.The Innovative Medicines Initiative will be funded through a €2 billion research programme spanning 7 years. €1 billion will be contributed from the framework programme (FP7) to fund SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) and universities. Pharmaceutical companies will match the €1 billion by undertaking R&D projects together with SMEs and universities. First calls for proposals (for research projects) are expected to be issued in early 2008.
More information on the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) is available at the European Commission or directly at the IMI-EFPIA website.
EU Research Headlines
European Research Headlines publishes ERJ study
Researchers say exercise testing can benefit chronic disease patients
There may be light at the end of the tunnel for chronic heart and lung patients. The latest research, carried out by the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Task Force on clinical exercise testing shows that exercise testing can help diagnose chronic heart and lung conditions and measure responses to treatment. After assessing the testing's technology and benefits, the Task Force advised clinicians on how to best use the testing. The results of the three-year international study were published in the January issue of the European Respiratory Journal.Read the full news
Commission outlines measures to ensure access to scientific information
Read the full news German researchers link automobile exhaust and poor health
A report analysed the effects of air pollution and tiny particles in the air on the cardiovascular condition of older women living near busy roads in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Conclusions indicate that women living within 100 metres of highly frequented roads are 79% more likely to develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Read the full news New Guidelines for Science Communication
The Messenger project's guidelines for scientists on how to communicate with the media aim to help avoid unnecessary anxieties or false hopes. Often, the media hypes research findings in order to attract more readers or the scientists themselves fail to communicate clearly their results and feed distortions and misunderstandings.According to the project results, however, both scientists and the media emphasise that "the public should have access to balanced and accurate scientific information and advice in order to engage more effectively in dialogue and debate." In this regard, the project highlights the role of communication and press officers and similar specialist intermediaries in the communication of science in European research institutes and academic departments.
The consultation shows that the role of these critical mediators between the science and journalism communities is currently perceived as "under-used and under-resourced" throughout the EU but it is expected to grow in significance. Therefore, the project strongly encourages further development of the press officer role in science departments and institutions across Europe.
The general aim of this FP6-funded Messenger project was "to contribute to an informed debate among scientists, journalists and representatives of civil society concerning the production of science, technology and health news". In addition to its guidelines for scientists, the project has developed a layperson's guide to decoding science stories, as well as training material for journalists.
Guidelines for scientists Layperson's guide Directorate General for Research
The Directorate General's mission can be summarised as follows:- to develop the European Union's policy in the field of research and technological development and, thereby, contribute to the international competitiveness of European industry;
- to coordinate European research activities with those carried out at the level of the Member States;
- to support the Union's policies in other fields, such as environment, health, energy, regional development, etc.;
- to promote a better understanding of the role of science in modern societies and stimulate a public debate about research-related issues at European level.
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