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Back
to Basics
The key actions focus on clear, specific goals. In many
areas of the life sciences, however, we still need to get to
grips with the fundamental science.
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research, intended solely to enhance scientific knowledge, often
leads to results that are later applicable to several different
areas of more applied, goal-oriented research. When scientists work
together in multidisciplinary teams on fundamental problems, time
is saved and a richer pattern of knowledge emerges. Efficient interactions
between research laboratories and industry will therefore be actively
promoted. Project clusters will be encouraged to establish interaction
between basic and applied research and to ensure fast and efficient
transfer of knowledge. In addition, communication will be stimulated
between academic researchers and industry, experienced scientists
and 'young blood', and scientists and the wider public. |
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An
easier life for the elderly |
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investigating new approaches that might delay disability
- making
the social and physical environment less challenging
- designing
suitably adapted products and services
- supporting
mental and physical well-being
social
integration; age-related degeneration; rehabilitation and
replacement therapies; intervention assessment
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Research
relating to the disabled |
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This
activity will focus on the need to enhance the independence
and quality of life of disabled people.
- understanding
the causes of impairment, disability and handicap
- assessing
the quality of life
- technology
for rehabilitation and assistance
- delivery
of health and social care
educational
needs; medical treatment; ergonomics; modelling; health-care
systems
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Basic
understanding of diseases |
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Within
the generic activities envisaged, the programme highlights
several specific challenges. The first focuses on chronic
and degenerative diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular
disease and rare but significant ailments such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob
Disease (CJD). Major research objectives for the next four
years will be to improve diagnosis, treatment, prevention
and surveillance.
- encouraging
a multinational approach to tackling disease
- integrating
basic and clinical research
- applying
new technology to the treatment and control of major diseases
- increasing
research into diseases that are prevalent in the developing
world
molecular,
genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors; disease aetiology;
databases, registries, reagent and sample banks
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All
in the genes |
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Genetic
research has developed rapidly over the last 10 years and
is likely to accelerate throughout FP5. Research will aim
to identify the physiological functions of genes and to
improve our understanding and use of the information obtained
as genes, chromosomes and eventually the entire genome are
sequenced. Collaboration between different European countries
will underpin the development of expression systems to study
genes of industrial and agronomic interest, as well as the
design of effective molecular and gene-based preventive
strategies and new treatments for human and animal disease.
- uncovering
the meaning and significance of genome information
- developing
user-friendly information systems to allow better access
to and interpretation of genomic data
- developing
new expression systems and model organisms
- improving
our knowledge and understanding of genetic diseases
comparative
analysis; informatics; transgenic and hybrid organisms;
genetic disease
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Is
it ethical? |
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The
science behind developments such as cloning, gene manipulation
and gene therapy is unusually complex and cannot be readily
understood by the lay public, leading to fear and prejudice.
It is vital for the acceptance of research programmes that
the ethical, legal and social questions they raise are dealt
with sensitively and in ways that address public concern.
Such research is also important in terms of policy making
and it is essential to analyse the ethical dimension of
legal and regulatory measures at national and European levels.
- identifying
the ethical, legal and social questions raised by biomedical
and biological research
- understanding
and addressing issues that concern the public
- analysing
the ethical dimension of legal and regulatory measures
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ethics
in the life sciences; application of ethics to medical practice;
ethical issues related to the environment
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Neurosciences
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Neuroscience
research will aim to provide a better understanding of the
nervous system and of neurological and psychiatric disorders.
A priority will be to develop new diagnostic tools, as well
as preventive and therapeutic approaches. It will also underpin
opportunities for education, and innovation in the healthcare
and information industries.
- understanding
cell communication and the mechanisms of learning and
memory
- understanding
behaviour and cognition n investigating how the brain
develops and the mechanisms of neuronal dysfunction damage
and repair
- developing
new diagnostic, preventive and treatment strategies for
neurological and psychiatric diseases
- developing
new brain theories and models, including construction
of databases
genetics;
molecular and cellular biology; pharmacology; non-invasive
techniques; modelling; cognitive; behavioural and clinical
sciences
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Health
and society |
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Public
health and health services research will improve the health
of European citizens and the effectiveness and cost-efficiency
of health promotion and health care. New technology and
treatment systems will be important, as will topics such
as improving safety at work and Europe-wide studies of variations
in public health and socio-economic factors.
- improving
health promotion and health care
- identifying
factors that lead to inequalities in health
- reducing
work-related exposure to agents detrimental to health
- reducing
physical and mental stress in the workplace
- fighting
drug-related problems
epidemiology; health determinants; disease aetiology; socio-economic
determinants of prevention, care and health services; drug
addiction and misuse
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Socio-economics |
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Socio-economic
research within the programme aims to help build strategies
and models for job creation and sustainable development
and to provide a sound scientific basis for public policies
in areas as varied as the competitiveness of the bio-industries,
the stimulation of public debate and the regulatory process.
- evaluating
developments in terms of public perception, education
and opinion forming
- analysing
social and economic forces driving new opportunities in
the bio-industries
- analysing
social and economic factors underlying the links between
science and policy in the life sciences
technology
evaluation and assessment; public perception; education;
decision-making; regulation; socio-economic aspects; science
and policy
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