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1. The Programme HEALTH in FP7
1.1. Goal and Structure
With a budget of 6,1 Bio euros for 2007 to 2013, the theme HEALTH was one of the 10 thematic
programmes under the specific FP7 programme « COOPERATION » that supported international
research-based cooperation projects across the European Union and beyond.
The objective of Health research under FP7 was to improve the health of European citizens and
boost the competitiveness of health-related industries and businesses, as well as address global
health issues
such as
emerging epidemics.
The HEALTH programme focused on translational research (i.e. the translation of basic discoveries
into clinical applications), the development and validation of new therapies, methods for health
promotion and prevention including the promotion of healthy ageing, diagnostic tools and medical
technologies, and sustainable and efficient healthcare systems.
The 4 main activity areas or thematic fields in FP7-HEALTH were:
1. Biotechnology, generic tools & medical technologies for human health
High-throughput research
Detection, diagnosis and monitoring
Prediction of suitability, safety and efficacy of therapies
Innovative therapeutic approaches and interventions
2.
Translating research for human health
Integration of biological data and processes
Research on the brain and related diseases, human development and ageing
Translational research in infectious diseases (HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, SARS,
avian influenza)
Translational research in major diseases: cancer, cardiovascular disease,
diabetes/obesity, rare diseases, other chronic diseases including rheumatoid diseases,
arthritis and muscoskeletal diseases
3
.
Optimising the delivery of health care to European citizens
Translation of clinical outcomes into clinical practices
Quality, efficiency and solidarity of health care systems including transitional health care
systems and home care strategies
Enhanced disease prevention and better use of medicines
Appropriate use of new health therapies and technologies
4.
Support actions & response to policy needs
in the EU Health Research & Innovation
landscape
It shoud be noted that cross-cuting issues such as international cooperation for the
development of research capacities, the participation of SMEs in EU R&I activities, child health,
ageing populations and gender-related health issues were addressed accross the HEALTH
theme.
Health research actions were also supported by other Themes of the FP7-COOPERATION
Programme such as:
Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, Biotechnology ( food, health & wellbeing, allergies,
obesity)
Information and Communication Technologies (e-health, medical IT-applications)
