Research Infrastructures (RIs) are crucial for achieving excellence in research and innovation. They extend beyond simply generating scientific knowledge, playing a pivotal role in driving significant socio-economic impact. European Framework Programmes, supported by the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI), have significantly contributed to developing 55 European RIs across six scientific domains, mobilising nearly €20 billion. Under Horizon Europe (2020-2027), RIs are allocated €2.4 billion to empower Europe through world-class, accessible RIs demonstrating the central place RIs play enabling Research and Innovation.
At EATRIS, we strive for a healthier future by transforming scientific breakthroughs into medical advancements for patients and society. Our impact spans research, economy, innovation, and policy. We believe in the importance of robust research practices and reproducibility, interdisciplinary knowledge exchange as well as training the next generation of research scientists, innovation leaders and patient experts. We advocate for Translational Medicine as an ecosystem that provides cutting-edge solutions, tools and expertise for a healthier tomorrow.
EATRIS contributes to the advancement of translational medicine through a portfolio of initiatives dedicated to the development and validation of novel tools, methodologies and workflows. Examples include:
- EATRIS’ participation in IMI project EU-PEARL, as key partner leading the sustainability strategy contributing to the deployment of a set of tools to conduct patient-centric collaborative platform trial.
- The Glaxosmithkline (GSK) Imaging Hub, developed and managed by EATRIS to deliver a clinical and scientific expert network for innovative imaging methods in inflammatory diseases.
- TransMedAcademy, EATRIS’ online learning environment for translational scientists with a range of self-paced online courses, live courses and recorded webinars.
- Collaboration with CERN to transfer the knowledge generated at CERN to society and pioneer new frontiers in health solutions in stroke prevention.
In 2021, the EATRIS Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Framework was developed with input from member state representatives and key opinion leaders from national nodes. This framework transitioned EATRIS from activity reporting to Impact Assessment. In 2022, EATRIS defined six impact pathways and began integrating narratives to provide broader content to our KPIs showcasing concrete examples of EATRIS’ activities and their impact on research, policy, society, innovation and economy.
EATRIS’ six impact pathways are:
- Support science policy.
- Enable uptake of research and innovation results.
- Unlock professional development.
- Implement and promote robust research practices.
- Foster innovation.
- Boost economy.
Florence Bietrix (EATRIS Deputy Director to the Executive Board) explained that through the launch of the EATRIS Impact webpage EATRIS effectively demonstrates the added value of EATRIS as the key RI for translational medicine in Europe. “These webpages highlight how EATRIS’ approach, including its collaboration with diverse stakeholders and its commitment to innovation and robust research practices, significantly contributes to advancements in biomedical research. By providing access to over 150 top-tier academic centres and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, EATRIS is paving the way on improving and optimising preclinical and early clinical development of drugs, vaccines and diagnostics, and overcoming barriers to health innovation. Our efforts not only enhance scientific knowledge but also translate into benefits for patients.”
Through these efforts, we aim to effectively demonstrate the added value of EATRIS as the key research infrastructureRI for translational medicine in Europe.
Find out more about how EATRIS impacts our collective healthier future here.
