ENRF President and Secretary General met European Commission, DG Research and Innovation
ENRF & DG RTD explored the upcoming Cancer Mission with specific reference to the nursing research link to the 13 recommendations of the mission board:
- Recommendation 1: Launch UNCAN.eu – a European Initiative to Understand Cancer
- Recommendation 2: Develop an EU-wide research programme to identify (poly-)genic risk scores
- Recommendation 3: Support the development and implementation of effective cancer prevention strategies and policies within the Member States and the EU
- Recommendation 4: Optimise existing screening programmes and develop novel approaches for screening and early detection
- Recommendation 5: Advance and implement personalised medicine approaches for all cancer patients in Europe
- Recommendation 6: Develop an EU-wide research programme on early diagnostics and minimally invasive treatment
- Recommendation 7: Develop an EU-wide research programme and policy support to improve the quality of life of cancer patients and survivors, family members and carers, and all persons with an increased risk of cancer
- Recommendation 8: Create a European Cancer Patient Digital Centre where cancer patients and survivors can deposit and share their data for personalised care
- Recommendation 9: Achieve Cancer Health Equity in the EU across the continuum of the disease
- Recommendation 10: Set up a network of Comprehensive Cancer Infrastructures within and across all EU Member States to increase the quality of research and care
- Recommendation 11: Childhood cancers and cancers in adolescents and young adults: cure more and cure better
- Recommendation 12: Accelerate innovation and implementation of new technologies and create Oncology-focused Living Labs to conquer cancer
- Recommendation 13: Transform cancer culture, communication and capacity building
For the ENRF it is key to build synergies with the European Commission and optimise nursing research contribution to the EU policies. And in terms of cancer, nurses have a huge experience (advanced practice) that is key in the innovative work they are doing every day. It is key for the ENRF collaborating with other EU Stakeholders active in cancer research. The recommendation on Quality of Life (Rec. 7) is of high interest to the ENRF. Also, childhood cancer (Rec 11 – Crosscutting recommendation) could be of interest to nurse researchers. Anyway, nurses and nursing research could fit in many of the Mission recommendations, with the cancer plan aiming to work as a policy action.
The European Commission further explained that all the EU stakeholders will be involved in this process in 2021. There is enough for everyone to bring its contribution to the mission, especially in working across sectors. As the missions are fully embedded in Horizon Europe, it is key the ENRF and its reference points get involved. Although a lot of information and knowledge has been already provided to the Mission, it will be key to engage citizens in this process. It is key to have the EU Member States and Stakeholders’ commitment to developing the missions, making the bridge between what the European Commission developed and what local communities need! Member States have an important role to play in the capacity building.
The European Commission is now entering into the implementation phase, key for the EU stakeholders to support the Mission.