Research European Commission 1 Frontiers of knowledge at the crossroads between life sciences, I.T.,...

ResearchEuropean Commission

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Frontiers of knowledge at the crossroads between life sciences, I.T., engineering

An explosion of knowledgeAn explosion of knowledge Large international genome sequencing programmes

e.g. yeast 1996; arabidopsis 2000; listeria 2000; human 2001 Bioinformatics: emergence of a new research field From biosensors to nanobiotechnologies

A wide range of applicationsA wide range of applications

Gene therapy (for curing diseases of genetic origin)

Preventive medicine to encourage healthy ageing

Reappraisal of food production systems

Sustainable production of added value molecules

Monitoring biodiversity and eco-system dynamics


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ACTION

DNA Database Growth and Funding evolutionof the European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI)

EBI Budget (M€)

EC Contribution (M€)

DNA Data Base Growth

0

5

10

15

2000 2001 2002 2003

ME

uro

0

10

20

30

40

Gig

a B

ases

Develop a competitive bioinformatics infrastructure in collaboration with the European Investment Fund

Generating and exploiting knowledge


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Anticipated impacts of technologies on way of life: 2002

0 20 40 60 80 100

Nuclear energy

Nanotechnology

Space exploration

Mobile phones

Computers and IT

Telecommunications

Biotechnology/geneticengineering

Percentage

Will improve our way of life

Will make things worse

Don't know


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European attitudes to six applications of biotechnology

-0.5

0

0.5

1

UsefulRiskyMorally acceptableEncourageAgree

Disagree


5

Genetic tests

Clone human

cells Enzymes Xeno Crops Food

Spain ++ ++ ++ + ++ +Portugal ++ ++ + + + +Ireland ++ + + + + +Belgium ++ + + + + -Sweden ++ ++ + + - -Denmark ++ + + + - -UK ++ + + + + -Finland ++ + + - + +Luxembourg ++ ++ + + - --Germany + + + + + -Italy ++ ++ + + - -Netherlands + + + + + -France ++ + - + - --Greece ++ + + - - --Austria + + + - - -

++ Strong support - Weak opposition+ Weak support -- Strong opposition

Support and opposition for six applications of biotechnology in 15 countries


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THE POLITICAL DRIVE-1

“Towards a European research area” - COM 2000(6)

Proposes better framework conditions to foster integration of research activities and coordination of research and innovation policies

Lisbon Summit - March 2000Sets a strategic goal for Europe to become the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world


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Stockholm Summit - March 2001Highlights the importance of research, entrepreneurship...

Identifies biotechnology as a frontier technology … and requests the Commission, together with the Council, to examine measures required to utilise the full potential of biotechnology and strengthen the European biotechnology sector's competitiveness


Commission Communication (COM/2002/27)- 23 January 2002Life Sciences and Biotechnology: a Strategy for Europe.Policy orientations and a 30-point Action Plan.


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Barcelona Summit - March 2002Calls for adoption of the 6th Framework Programme by June 2002, agrees that research spending in the EU should approach 3% GDP by 2010, with two thirds coming from business, stresses the importance of frontier technologies for future growth and welcomes the Commission's strategic vision for biotechnology and life sciences


European Parliament Damiao Report - 23 October 2002Endorses the Commission Strategy and Action Plan.Calls for lifting the GMO moratorium in order to stimulate research and innovation.


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Competitiveness Council Conclusions - 26 November 2002Strongly endorses Commission’s Action Plan.Adopts Road Map, setting specific objectives for Community and Member States levels.

Timetable for Implementation.


Commission Communication of March 2003

Progress report and future orientationsCommission staff working paper on Commission actions


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HARVESTING HARVESTING

the the POTENTIALPOTENTIAL

11GOVERNING GOVERNING

Life Sciences and Life Sciences and

BiotechnologyBiotechnology

22

33RESPONDING RESPONDING

to GLOBAL to GLOBAL challengeschallenges

44Implementation and Implementation and

COHERENCE COHERENCE across policies, across policies,

sectors and actorssectors and actors

Who?

How?

EC + EP + COUNCIL + MEMBER STATES + REGIONS + PRIVATE SECTOR + ACADEMIA + PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS + CIVIL SOCIETY + EIB + EFSA + EMEA + EGE ...

The Life Sciences and Biotechnology : a Strategy for Europe

Action Plan


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A European Strategy for Life Sciences and Biotechnology: The

Action Plan - COM (2002) 271. Harvesting the Potential

The resource Base- investing in people

- generating and exploiting knowledge

- intellectual property protection

- capital base

Networking Europe’s Biotechnology Communities

A pro-active role for public authorities

2. Governing Life Sciences and Biotechnology

Societal scrutiny and dialogue Developing Life Sciences and

Biotechnology in harmony with ethical values and social goals

Demand-driven applications through informed choice

Confidence in science-based regulatory oversight

3. Responding to global challenge A European agenda for international

collaboration Europe’s responsibilities towards the

developing world

4. Implementation and coherence across policies, sectors and actors


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Life Sciences and Biotechnology Strategy

Action 2b Investing in Researchers

CHALLENGES

Brain drain of scientists and entrepreneurs Lack of specialised workforce in industry

1 580 M€ for human resources and mobility in FP6

(from 858 M€ in FP5)

with emphasis on return grants

1 580 M€ for human resources and mobility in FP6

(from 858 M€ in FP5)

with emphasis on return grants

ACTIONS

Develop and train a skilled workforce Promote continuing education Attract scientists to Europe


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Lif

e S

cien

ces,

Gen

omic

s &

biot

echn

olog

y fo

r he

alth

Life Sciences and Biotechnology Strategy Action 3: Research Life Sciences, Genomics and Biotechnology for Health

• Advanced Genomics and its applications for health

– Fundamental knowledge and basic tools for functional genomics in all organisms (Structural genomics; proteomics; comparative genomics; bioinformatics; Multidisciplinary genomics approaches to basic biological processes)

– Application of knowledge and technologies in the field of genomics and biotechnology for health (Industrial platforms; support to start-up companies)

• Combating major diseases

– Application-oriented approach to medical genomics knowledge (Cardiovascular disease, diabetes and rare diseases ; resistance to antibiotics ; Studying the brain and combating diseases of the nervous

system ; Studying human development and the ageing process) – Broader biomedical approach (cancer, poverty-related infectious diseases)

• Advanced Genomics and its applications for health

– Fundamental knowledge and basic tools for functional genomics in all organisms (Structural genomics; proteomics; comparative genomics; bioinformatics; Multidisciplinary genomics approaches to basic biological processes)

– Application of knowledge and technologies in the field of genomics and biotechnology for health (Industrial platforms; support to start-up companies)

• Combating major diseases

– Application-oriented approach to medical genomics knowledge (Cardiovascular disease, diabetes and rare diseases ; resistance to antibiotics ; Studying the brain and combating diseases of the nervous

system ; Studying human development and the ageing process) – Broader biomedical approach (cancer, poverty-related infectious diseases)


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Structural proteomics in Europe

• 17 Partners: leaders in the field (10 countries: UK, FR, IT, DE, PT, SE, DK, NL, IS, HE)

• EC contribution 13.7 m€

• Development of technological platforms permitting high throughput structure determination

• Determining the 3D structure of +500 medically relevant proteins• Establishment of a robust, interactive, and open network of

European centres of excellence, integrating national, international efforts - academic labs and biotech SMEs.

• Provision of the necessary training environments for young scientists and technicians

Goals


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Structural Proteomics in Europe

Scientific Advisory Board

Executive CommitteeExecutive Committee

Training

NetworkingResearch

BiotechSME

Biological Targets

viral, bacteria,cancer, etc

BiotechSME

BiotechSME

BiotechSME

Technical Platforms

crystallisation, X-Ray, NMR ...

BiotechSMEBiotech

SME

develop technologies for high throughput 3D structure determination of +500 medically relevant proteins


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Integrating European Research

Priority Thematic Areas

Food

Qua

lity

and

Saf

ety

Cit

izen

s &

gov

erna

nce

in th

ekn

owle

dge

soci

ety

Epidemiology of food related diseases

Impact of food (including GMOs) on health

Traceability processes (including GMOs)

Methods of Analysis/Detection/Control

Safer and environmentally friendly production/processing methods

Impact of animal feed on health

Environmental health risks

Epidemiology of food related diseases

Impact of food (including GMOs) on health

Traceability processes (including GMOs)

Methods of Analysis/Detection/Control

Safer and environmentally friendly production/processing methods

Impact of animal feed on health

Environmental health risks

Life Sciences and Biotechnology Strategy Action 3 Research : Food Quality and Safety


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Total Cost: 17 M€EC Contribution: 12 M€Partners: 64

Cluster of research projects on the development of probiotic foods

FP5 Cluster

Coordination

PROEUHEALTH

Basic mechanismsResearch tools

Health effects

Technology aspects

Science Platform

ScientificAudience

Industry Platform

CommercialAudience

Consumer Platform

ConsumerAudience


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Life Sciences and Biotechnology Strategy - Action 3:

Research Generating and exploiting knowledge

Opportunities for SMEs in FP6 Within many of the seven thematic priorities

15% of the budget is reserved for SMEs!

Specific measures for SMEs: CRAFT and Collective Research~ €100 mio will go to life science related projects

Support for hosting post-docs: Industry fellowships

The budget for mobility grants has almost doubled from FP5 to FP6!


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Life Sciences and Biotechnology Strategy Action 5 : Intellectual Property

ProtectionCHALLENGES

Need for an effective, affordable and accessible

European intellectual property protection system

5 %Overall

EPO patenting annual growth rate (1990-1999)

13 %Biotech

ACTIONS

Adoption of a Community Patent Regulation

Transposition of the Biotechnology Patent Directive

Awareness and training in strategic use of IPR


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Life Sciences and Biotechnology Strategy Action 6 : Capital base

The Innovation 2000 Initiative of the European Investment Bank€ 12-15 billion for lending and € 1 billion for developing VC operations in the areas:

- development of SMEs and entrepreneurship

- diffusion of innovation- research and development- ICT networks- human capital formation

The EIB and the Life Science programs are working closely together to identify financing opportunities, in particular for biotech SMEs

EU VC investments in the biotech sector

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

YEAR

mill

ion

euro

Source: EVCA


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Action 7: Capital Base Biotechnology & Finance Forum « Biotechnology & Finance Forum » was set up by the Commission and EASD (European Association of Securities Dealers) in 1997 to ensure the mobilization and networking of the European research, industry and finance stakeholders in biotechnology

• 4 pan European conferences in Brussels (98), Lyon (99), Cambridge (00), Paris (01) (next: Munich Feb 03)

• support for setting up biotech companies and networking of biotech clusters

• inclusion of major stakeholders into the BFF advisory board 2002: EuropaBio, EFB, EIB, EIF, EVCA, APCIMS/EASD


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1879 Biotechnology companies in

Europe in 2001(US 1457)

-Tripled in number

in 5 years

Life Sciences and Biotechnology

StrategyAction 8a

Networking


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“Bio-entrepreneurship: Networking of Biotechnology Clusters in Europe”

Biotech start-ups are not “regional companies”. They have needs - scientific, financial, market, management - requiring European assistance.


Action 9b : Networking

Need for networking of bioclusters across Europe (e.g. exchange of best practise, skills, critical mass) - if successful entrepreneurship in biotechnology is to be promoted rapidly and efficiently.


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Life Sciences and Biotechnology StrategyAction 9b Networking

Trans-national biotechnology clusters: 3 examples

BIOVALLEY® in upper rhine region: (Northwest Switzerland, CH + South Baden, DE + Alsace, FR)

EUREGIO: Meuse-Rhine regionMaastricht, NL + Aachen, DE + Liège, BE

MEDICON VALLEY:Öresund region (Southern part of Sweden, SE + Greater Copenhagen, DK)


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Challenges:Enhancing public understanding and perceptions of life sciences and biotechnology.

StakeholdersScientistsIndustryCivil SocietyInterest Groups European Group of Life Scientists

Life Sciences and Biotechnology StrategyAction 13: Societal scrutiny and dialogue

Actions:Support science communication and dialogue with the public. Monitor public perceptions : Eurobarometer, focus groups.Encourage civil society involvement: support European citizen networks.


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CONSENSUS WORKSHOPSIdentifying and defining consensus on key food issues

Bridging the gap between consumers, scientists and stakeholders from the food chain through three international workshops, running from 2002-3.

The workshops cover the following themes:• Food safety (June 2002)• Novel foods (February 2003)• Nutrition (July 2003)

The presentations and outcomes of the workshops are published on the consensus workshop website: http://www.consensusworkshops.org/

Consensus forming


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BIO-TEACH-WORKContinuing education for EU biology teachers

The Bio-Teach-Work project aims to make available the skills and resources of research scientists to the European Union’s biology teachers.

Three main activities:

Workshops offering both theoretical and practical training for biology teachers

A training programme for scientists and teachers – developing new resources; sharing best practice

Creating a resource centre and archive for teaching materials

http://www.embo.org/projects/scisoc/ceebt/index.html

Popularisation of life sciences - Education


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GMO RES COMBiosafety research communication

The three-year project aims at improving communication and public dialogue on biosafety by:

Supporting a new journal on the biosafety of GMOs Supporting a series of international symposia on the safety of GMOs Creating a web-based, publicly accessible database on GMO safety research Issues being addressed by this accompanying measure:

Meeting the need for a coordinated research effort Efficient exchange of information to scientists and the public

Consensus forming - Support to policies


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SCIENCE GENERATIONBridging the gap between the science and the citizens

Towards a EU network of citizens for a participative governance of life sciences

• bringing together students, teachers, parents, scientists, economists, lawyers, policy makers and other stakeholders,

Aims to improve communication,education, public awareness

and consideration of public perceptionsrelating to biosciences and society

Enabling ordinary citizens to become involved and proactive in biosciences and the implications that can affect their future

Pilote EU experience active in three countries: France, Italy and Sweden

http://www.science-generation.com/

Popularisation of life sciences - Public dialogue


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Challenges:To develop life sciences and biotechnology in a responsible manner: in harmony with ethical values and societal goals, while respecting cultural pluralism.

Life Sciences and Biotechnology Strategy Action 14: Harmony with ethical values and societal goals

Topics:XenotransplantationHuman embryonic stem cellsBiobanksGene testing

Actions:Research into socio-economic and ethical issues and development of assessment criteria.Consider ethical, social and legal aspects of new developments.Attempt consensus on ethical guidelines.


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Bio-T-EthicsBiotechnology ethics – a vital discipline for the 21st century

A strategic initiative to contribute research efforts and education in biotechnology ethics.

Foremost authorities on biotechnology ethics from 11 countries , in consultation with stakeholders, will:

Define aspects of the biology-industry interface requiring ethical expertise Organise studies to improve communications and application of ethics Find ways to transfer the ethics research into education Organise pillote courses on biotechnology ethics… towards a European School for Biotechnology Ethics

Education - Ethical principles


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FNIBITeaching ethics

Consideration to ethics in the life sciences research and education is a key principle of the EU research policies This measure runs workshops to train life scientists to integrate ethics into their courses and laboratories

A EU-US joint effort by the FLAD/NSF International Bioethics Institute

Three courses run to date, with teachers from the USA and Europe

Use of ‘active learning’ methods

Training - Ethical principles


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Success will depend on mobilisation of all actors

Ethical Bodies

ParliamentCommissionMember States

Regions

European

Investment Bank

Private Sector

Academia

Civil Society

RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONDELIVERABLES

FOR SOCIETY


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The European Group on Life SciencesThe European Group on Life Sciences

Established by Commissioner P. Busquin in April 2000, with the mandate of:

• providing high level advice on the current situation and foreseeable developments in the field of life sciences

•supporting broad science-communication strategies, particularly by organising a Life Sciences Discussion Platform

Members 2002 Members 2002 : V. De Lorenzo (E) (Chair), D. Burke (UK) , P. Cunningham (IRL), L. Kovac (SK), P. Kourilsky (F), C. Nüsslein-Volhard (D), A. Mc Laren (UK), N Rosentahl (USA- I), J. van Bemmel (NL), M. van Montagu (B), L. Santi (I), H. Wigzell (S), E-L Winnacker (D)

http://europa.eu.int/comm/research/life-sciences/egls/index_en.htmlhttp://europa.eu.int/comm/research/life-sciences/egls/index_en.html


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LIFE SCIENCES DISCUSSION PLATFORMS

SCIENTISTS, INDUSTRY, CIVIL SOCIETY, YOUTH, INTEREST GROUPS, MEDIA, POLICY MAKERS...

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TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES:OPTIONS FROM LIFE SCIENCES AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

GENETICS AND THE FUTURE OF EUROPE

Multiple Stakeholders Reciprocal Information Questions, Debate

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