News in general

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the European Society of Neurosonology and Cerebral Hemodynamics (ESNCH) was signed in June 2019. The ESNCH is the most successful neurosonology group worldwide bringing together the world’s experts, thus representing an excellent platform for young researchers to present their work, gain experience and start a scientific collaboration.

Task Force Regulatory Affairs and Medical Devices Workshop on Medical Device Registries: The BioMed Alliance organised a joint workshop on Medical Device Registries with the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the European Federation of National Associations of Orthopaedics and Traumatology (EFORT) on 17 June. The programme included speakers from the European Commission, member societies, a notified body, industry, the European Medicines Agency and experts who manage successful registries across Europe.

EFNA goes global and attends the WHA – World Health Assembly UN Geneva Headquarters from May 20 – 28 2019. Diseases know no borders. Only by truly pooling our resources and going beyond our individual disease areas, our constituencies and countries, do we stand a chance of adequately addressing the challenges of ill-health and inequalities.

In 2018, STOA completed two Scientific Foresight projects, on assistive technologies for people with disabilities, and on 3D bio-printing for medical and enhancement purposes, while preparing the ground for a new project on alternative options for crop protection in farming practices.

READING RECCOMENDATIONS: NEWS FROM OTHER SOCIETIES

The ataxia diagnostic flowchart has been developed by members of the European Reference Network for Rare Neurological Diseases (ERN-RND) in order to help guide diagnosis.

On 27 March, the European Parliament and the Council reached an agreement on the EU's future framework programme for research and innovation, the Horizon Europe.

ECNP Networks and Thematic Working Groups (TWGs)

On Tuesday, April 9, 2019, Active Citizenship Network (ACN) celebrated the 13th European Patients’ Rights Day (EPRD).

The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union are currently conducting their negotiations on Horizon 2020’s successor, the Horizon Europe EU research programme. The European Commission had proposed a budget of €94.1 billion while the European Parliament seeks €120 billion. The Council aims to allocate only €91 billion. The final budget will not be settled for another few months, and at the moment the negotiators are working towards an agreement on the content of the programme.

Stress reduction of patients undergoing surgical interventions

On February 7th,  2019, the EAN signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the ERN – EURO - NMS mentioned above.

Alzheimer Europe examines experiences of people from minority ethnic backgrounds with dementia, in 2018 ethics report https://www.alzheimer-europe.org/News/Alzheimer-Europe/Friday-22-February-2019-AE-examines-experiences-of-people-from-minority-ethnic-backgrounds-with-dementia-in-2018-ethics-report

On 11 March, Brain Awareness Week will kick off its 24th year of connecting brain science enthusiasts in Europe and around the world with public audiences to build curiosity and understanding about the brain.

The BioMed Alliance members have produced a cartoon to raise awareness among doctors and the public on the importance of high quality and unbiased Continuing Medical Education (CME).