EUROPE: State of biomedical research

The European Medical Research Councils group has published a white paper assessing the current status of biomedical research in Europe in a global context. It says European biomedical research is advancing "at a great pace" given the relatively small funds available and, with more money, it could do better.

The councils group is the European Science Foundation's membership organisation for all medical research councils in Europe. Its white paper, A Stronger Biomedical Research for a Better European Future, follows Present Status and Future Strategy for Medical Research In Europe published four years ago.

Calling for global collaboration and cohesion in biomedical research, the paper analyses the current state of biomedical research within Europe compared with its international collaborators, together with an assessment of new challenges faced in Europe, including changing patterns of diseases, ageing populations and growing cost of healthcare.

Councils chair Professor Liselotte Højgaard said: "We believe that this white paper presents a powerful case for the future strategy of biomedical research in Europe, which will benefit society in many ways and will improve the quality of life for the citizens of Europe and the rest of the world and meet the difficult challenges we are facing."

The paper makes five key recommendations, which should underlie future policy and strategy for biomedical research in Europe:

* Citizens and patients should be closely engaged with biomedical research.
* The results of biomedical research should be rapidly and efficiently brought to the patient.
* Biomedical research should be conducted with high quality in an open, honest and transparent way.
* European biomedical research should be conducted within a global context.
* Investment should be increased to create the right world-class biomedical research.

Author of the paper Dr Thierry Damerval, deputy director of Inserm in France, said: "With investment in biomedical research yielding a return of 40% per year, adequate funding and best practice for biomedical research are not only essential to secure health and welfare in Europe and the rest of the world, but they also makes sound economic sense."

The paper provides an examination of the present status of biomedical research in Europe and the rest of the world. It is available to view online here.