European Commission nominates EIT Health experts to shape Horizon Europe Missions

Four representatives of EIT Health Partners will work on one of five major European research and innovation missions in Horizon Europe (2021-2027).

The University of Coimbra, the University of Evora, the University of Lisbon and the Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine were selected as members of the mission boards – one of the main innovations of Horizon Europe.

On 30 July 2019, Carlos Moedas – Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, presented the 15 names of the experts, that will join the Mission Board for Cancer. Among them, are Professor Helena Freitas (University of Coimbra), Professor Teresa Pinto Correia (University of Evora), Professor Paulo Ferrao (University of Lisbon) and Professor Konrad Rydzyński (Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine). All of them are representatives of EIT Health InnoStars Partners.

The Mission Board for Cancer, together with four other Missions (climate change, healthy oceans, climate-neutral cities, healthy soil and food) will address some of the main challenges European citizens are facing. Representatives of EIT Health Partners together with other nominated members, will build a creative and highly motivated group of experts, who will cooperate with the aim of improving innovation ecosystems in the field of cancer treatment, among others.

Innovations of Horizon Europe

The Missions Boards are one of the main innovations of Horizon Europe. By addressing important societal challenges, such as cancer these boards will make clear to citizens how the European Union can make a real difference in their lives and in society as a whole. They boost the impact of EU-funded research and innovation by mobilising investment and EU wide efforts around measurable and time-bound goals around those issues that affect citizens’ daily lives.

The mission boards were chosen amongst 2100 individuals from across the EU. The boards will have discussions with citizens, stakeholders and experts from Member States at the first European Research and Innovation Days in Brussels that takes place from the 24 to 26 September.