Pan-European research initiative will tackle neurodegenerative diseases
Leading European researchers to develop strategy for diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
Leading European researchers are to develop a strategy for diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
This is the first of the new European Union (EU) Joint Programming initiatives, which are designed to address the so-called ‘grand challenges’ facing EU society. These challenges are considered to be beyond the scope and resources of any one country. However, the EU hopes to bring together more efficiently funding bodies, researchers, existing research evidence, and sharing tools, techniques and other resources among EU members.
'This is the first example of the new Joint Programming approach by the EU to tackling the health-related, social, technological, and environmental ‘grand challenges’ which face all of our citizens,’ said Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science. ‘Thanks to this Joint Programme, the best European medical researchers will be working together and pooling resources to help the millions of people who suffer from Alzheimer’s and other neurodenegerative diseases.’
The ultimate goal of the Joint Programme on Neurodegenerative Disease (JPND) is to accelerate progress in understanding the causes of these debilitating conditions, leading not only to early diagnosis and the development of new treatments and prevention, but also the provision of more effective medical and social care.
To achieve this goal, 24 European countries have voluntarily decided to work together in a collaborative research initiative.
The JPND will start by developing a strategic research agenda for neurodegenerative diseases encompassing basic, clinical and social research.
They will then implement that agenda by proposing innovative ways of pooling expertise and resources to address the fragmentation and duplication of current research efforts.
A Scientific Advisory Board comprising 15 of the top neurodegenerative disease scientists from Europe and elsewhere in the world has been formed to advise on the development of this agenda and its implementation.
Professor Philippe Amouyel, chairman of the JPND Management Board, said: ‘This is an exciting opportunity for Europe to take the lead in tackling one of the biggest socio-economic challenges we face into our future. To date, neurodegenerative diseases have not received the same level of funding as other areas such as cancer and cardiovascular disease, despite having a large negative impact on healthy life. This programme will allow us to change that.’