What is Horizon Europe?
Horizon Europe is the European Union's key funding program for research and innovation, running from 2021 to 2027. It aims to tackle climate change, help achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, and boost the EU’s competitiveness and growth. It is the successor to Horizon 2020 and builds on its achievements to create an even more impactful program.
How does Horizon Europe address Cancer?
Cancer research is a significant focus within Horizon Europe, particularly under its
EU Missions component. One of the five
missions is specifically dedicated to cancer, known as the "Mission on Cancer." This mission aims to improve the lives of more than 3 million people by 2030 through prevention, early detection, and innovative treatments.
Understanding Cancer: Enhance our understanding of cancer biology to develop new therapeutic strategies.
Prevention: Focus on preventive measures including lifestyle changes and vaccinations.
Early Detection: Develop and implement advanced screening techniques for early diagnosis.
Innovative Treatments: Promote personalized and novel treatment approaches.
Quality of Life: Ensure better quality of life for patients and survivors.
How is the funding structured?
Horizon Europe allocates significant funding to cancer research through various
funding streams such as the European Research Council (ERC), Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), and the European Innovation Council (EIC). In addition, collaborative projects under the Health Cluster focus on cancer research, fostering cross-border and multidisciplinary cooperation.
How can researchers participate?
Researchers can participate by applying for funding through various calls for proposals published on the
Funding and Tenders Portal. Collaboration between academia, industry, and healthcare providers is encouraged to foster innovation and translate research findings into clinical practice.
What are some of the expected outcomes?
The Mission on Cancer aims to deliver concrete outcomes such as new biomarkers for early detection, innovative therapeutic approaches, and improved survivorship care plans. By 2030, it seeks to significantly reduce the cancer burden in Europe, improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.
How does it impact patients directly?
For patients, Horizon Europe’s focus on cancer means better access to cutting-edge treatments, early diagnostic tools, and comprehensive care plans. It also emphasizes patient-centric approaches, ensuring that research and innovations are tailored to meet the real-world needs of individuals affected by cancer.
Conclusion
Horizon Europe represents a significant commitment by the European Commission to tackle cancer through a multifaceted approach. By fostering innovation, collaboration, and patient-centric research, it aims to make a substantial impact on cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, ultimately improving outcomes for millions of people across Europe.
