Health experts to recommend FP6 research priorities

Brussels, 06 May 2002

Proposals for health research priorities under the Sixth Framework programme (FP6) will be presented to the European Commission following a meeting which will bring together more than 100 experts in Granada, Spain, from 8 to 10 May.

In addition to discussing health research priorities, the meeting aims to improve coordination between those responsible for formulating policies and programmes in the fields of health and research.

Participants hope to contribute to the development of a discussion forum on an adequate framework for the prioritisation of research in European health systems. Delegates will also exchange information on prioritisation and financing in Member State health systems and propose a network where the results and experiences of health research can be exchanged.

The organisers of the meeting, the Spanish Ministry of health and consumer affairs and the Carlos III health institute, believe that the Fifth Framework programme has influenced Member State health programmes, particularly in its role as a prioritisation model. The meeting will consider a number of Commission initiatives and proposals, including the creation of networks of excellence and virtual centres, better use of electronic networks, the opening up of national programmes, private investment, the development of research necessary for political decision making and the concept of the European research area.

Presentations will precede discussions on a number of specific topics, including basic research on hospital care, the relevance of fundamental science to research in surgery, human brain imaging and neurological disease, pathos physiology, evidence-based medicine and its application in clinical practice, orphan drugs and the role of laparoscopic surgery in clinical practice.

For further information on the meeting, please consult the following web address: http://www.ue2002.es/DetalleNewsletters .asp?idioma=ingles&opcion=1&subopcion=1 &id=1598

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