Horizon Europe funds: simply too important to ignore for health researchers
Introduction
With Europe being a hub for innovation and scientific advancements, it comes as no surprise that European research funds hold immense significance. These funds play a crucial role in driving progress and fostering breakthroughs in various fields, ultimately benefiting not only Europe but the global community as well.
But securing Horizon Europe funding can be an uphill battle due to limited resources and fierce competition and researchers might be tempted to ask themselves: “Why should I be interested in Horizon Europe funding opportunities if the the process is so complex and the probability of being funded so low?”
However, the opportunities provided by European research funds are simply too important to ignore. In this blog post, I will explore why researchers in health and biomedical sciences should actively pursue these funding opportunities.
Even if the grant application process may seem complicated, researchers shall anyway take a closer look to Horizon Europe funds, as the potential benefits outweigh the initial challenges.
Benefits of participation in Horizon Europe
European research funds play a vital role in addressing pressing societal challenges. They prioritize research initiatives focused on sustainable development, climate change, healthcare, energy transition, and many other critical areas. By investing in these areas, these funds contribute to finding solutions to global challenges that affect us all. The impact of European research funds goes beyond academia; it actively contributes to building a more sustainable, innovative, and inclusive society.
But why researchers should take a closer look to the opportunities offered by EU-funding programmes? Why should they care about them?
Let’s analyse together why applying to European funding programmes is vital for health and biomedical researchers.
1. Access to substantial funding
European funds offer an extensive pool of financial resources specifically dedicated to various research domains. Consider that the European Union is the second largest public funder of health research and innovation in the world, after US. The Health Cluster of the EU's Horizon Europe programme has a budget of over €8 billion for its full duration, the EU4Health programme has a budget of €5.3 billion and the Innovative Health Initiative has a total budget of €2.4 billion. Interesting numbers, right?
These funds provide a significant advantage to health and biomedical researchers, as they allow for the execution of ambitious projects that may otherwise be hindered by limited access to funding.
Funding can provide researchers with the necessary funds to purchase equipment, reagents and other materials, as well as to pay staff and travel expenses.
With larger budgets, researchers can pursue groundbreaking studies, invest in cutting-edge technologies, and attract talented individuals to their teams, consequently accelerating scientific discovery and innovation.
2. Increased collaboration opportunities
One of the biggest advantages of European research funds is their ability to foster cross-border collaborations among researchers and institutions.
European Commission funding programs require and promote collaboration among researchers from different countries and institutions and experts from diverse backgrounds, fostering a multidisciplinary approach, that could lead to discoveries that may not have been possible through individual efforts.
Such collaborations foster a vibrant exchange of knowledge, expertise, and perspectives, thus enriching scientific dialogue, propelling research forward and increasing the chances to obtain innovative solutions to complex problems.
The professional relationships established in the frame of EU funding programmes can then be nurtured and strenghtened, thus leading to new collaborations and research partnerships, beyond the scope of the original application.
Furthermore, the EU's funding support for collaborative research also facilitates the sharing of resources and infrastructure, enabling scientists to access state-of-the-art facilities and technologies that may not be available in their own countries or institutions.
Additionally, the EU's emphasis on international collaboration promotes diversity and inclusivity in research, fostering a global community of scientists working towards common goals.
3. Amplified impact and visibility
Research funded by the European Commission carries a high level of credibility and recognition internationally, as it demonstrates a rigorous evaluation process and the recognition of scientific excellence.
Successful applicants can leverage this funding to enhance their visibility and reputation (and that of their institutions), attract potential additional funding from other sources, and elevate their chances of publishing in high-impact journals and presenting at renowned conferences.
EU funding often comes with prestige and recognition, which can attract top talent and further enhance the quality and impact of research projects.
Furthermore, findings from funded projects gain broader attention, reaching policymakers and the public, thereby fostering wider discussions and potential applications in healthcare systems.
4. Opportunities for career growth
For researchers in health and biomedical sciences, securing funding from European funds can significantly impact their career trajectory. Successful proposals often support the recruitment and training of young scientists, offering invaluable opportunities for skill development and career advancement. Moreover, access to European funds strengthens researchers' curriculum vitae, making them more competitive for future funding applications, job opportunities, and academic promotions.
Grant proposals require researchers to think critically, communicate effectively, and show creativity. These skills are valuable not only for research but also in other areas of work.
Conclusion
European research funds are undeniably indispensable for driving scientific progress. cknowledging their significance is crucial to ensure the continuous advancement of knowledge, solutions, and innovations that benefit us all.
While the challenges and competition may seem daunting, the potential benefits far outweigh the risks. European funding provides substantial financial resources, encourages fruitful collaborations, enhances researchers' visibility and impact, and empowers career growth.
Thus, all health and biomedical researchers should be encouraged to embrace the potential offered by European funds.
Picture by Emiliano Vittoriosi on Unsplash.