The need for research into health promotion and CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) was the title of the third meeting of the MEP CAM Interest Group of the European Parliament held on October 11th, 2011 in the Parliament.
The need for research into health promotion and CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) was the title of the third meeting of the MEP CAM Interest Group of the European Parliament held on October 11th, 2011 in the Parliament. The meeting was chaired by MEP Sirpa Pietikäinen, PEP Fin. The meeting participants first listened to a presentation entitled ‘CAM and the Research Framework Programmes’ given by Mr. Ole Olesen, Senior Scientific Officer, Infectious Diseases & Public Health unit, DG Research and Innovation. This was followed by a presentation on The Contribution of Complementary Medicine to European Public Health – Towards a Research Agenda by Prof Dr Harald Walach, of the European University Viadrina Frankfurt/Oder, Germany.
After a brief introduction to DG Research and the structure and content of the health theme in the current EU FP7 research framework programme, Mr Olesen referred to two current research projects in CAM (CAMbrella and TCM) funded under FP7 that take up most of 5.5 million euros currently invested in CAM research. He then presented the change in thinking within DG Research that will underpin the new research framework programme FP8 or ‘Horizon 2020’, 2013-2020. The switch is to a broader common strategic framework that includes common strategies with a focus on ‘societal challenges’. Among the societal challenges identified is ‘Health, demographic change and wellbeing’ – how to provide better health while maintaining an economically sustainable healthcare system. Under this challenge three main areas of activity were outlined, prevention, treatment and healthcare sustainability, all of which CAM has the potential to contribute to. In conclusion he stated that he thought Horizon 2020 may aim at a broader, more holistic approach to health, including additional focus on well-being. but that, as always, research activities selected for funding are selected on competitive basis of scientific excellence, impact and implementation.
Read further: http://homeopathyeurope.org/media/news/newsletter-6-december-2011/meeting-in-european-parliament-on-cam-research
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