Cancer research: Horizon Europe update

EU Beating Cancer Plan  

In February, the EU Commission officially announced their EU Beating Cancer Plan. This ambitious Cancer Plan will tackle key challenges along the entire cancer continuum through 4 key actions focused on prevention, early detection, through to those centered on diagnosis and treatment, and improving the quality of life individuals affected by cancer across Europe. With €4 billion in financial support being made available to member states to drive forward these actions, this plan will be implemented through the new EU 4 Health Programme, as well as through Horizon Europe and the Digital Europe Programmes. More details on the launch can be found here.  

UK's participation in Horizon Europe  

Clarification on the UKs participation in the Horizon Europe following BREXIT was thankfully provided in February, with the confirmation that the UK will participate in the new programme as an Associated Country. With the exception of the EIC fund, this will allow UK partners to participate in the full Horizon Europe Programme, and give the UK the same rights and obligations as other countries associated to the Programme. A Q&A document outlining the specifics of this participation has been published by the European Commision and can be found on their website.  

National Launch of Horizon Europe 

The official launch of the Horizon Europe for Ireland will take place 25th March 2021. This webinar will provide information and advice to cancer researchers in Ireland on the new programme. Individuals wishing to attend must register their interest for the event . 

Irish Cancer Society Horizon Europe Engagement  

With Horizon Europe now officially launched, the Irish Cancer Society will continue to develop supports aimed at providing a programme of engagement and information to prepare cancer researchers in Ireland for participation in this important new programme. We have held two webinars, in this series of supports thus far: Martha Hickey, the National Contact Point for Health at Enterprise Ireland who provided cancer researchers with details on preparing for Horizon Europe and on the draft Cancer Mission; and Professor William Gallagher, who presented on his extensive experience with EU grants. All talks are available on the Irish Cancer Society Youtube channel.  

We are currently organising our programme of Horizion Europe webinars for 2021 and  encourage all of our researchers who have suggestions for topics they would like to see us cover please email researchadmin@irishcancer.ie.