Science to aid independence in old age
ETH Zurich is taking part in EIT Health, a new major EU research programme. As part of the project, more than 140 European companies and research institutes are developing solutions for problems in the field of health and old age.
Last week, the European Institute for Innovation and Technology (EIT) gave the green light for a major project supporting applied research in the field of healthy living and active ageing. ETH Zurich is taking part as an associated partner in the project, called EIT Health, along with more than 140 European companies and research institutes. The project is due to kick off in mid-2015. Further Swiss partners include EPFL and Nestlé.
EIT Health is being financed by Horizon 2020, the EU research programme, which is injecting two billion euros into the project over the next seven years. This makes it one of the largest public research efforts in the field of health in the world. One focus of the project is on sources of chronic illnesses such as various cardiovascular and neurological diseases, cancer and diabetes, states Wolfgang Knecht, one of the two coordinators at ETH Zurich for EIT Health and director of the Neuroscience Center Zurich. The second ETH coordinator for the project is Robert Riener, professor for Sensory-Motor Systems.
Translational research
This major project does not concentrate solely on the diseases stated above. The research also focuses on the interface between clinical, technological and economic applications. The aim is to bring products and services to market maturity. By tackling questions such as "how can one continue to lead an independent life in old age?" the project seeks to use information and technology to help people be independent for longer in old age. This also saves on health care costs, says Knecht.
The aim is for the specific sub-projects to be put out to tender within the next year, for which ETH researchers can apply. An international committee will award the projects. "ETH Zurich's outstanding expertise in nutritional sciences, movement sciences, neurosciences, robotics, computer science, medical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, cancer and metabolic research and personalised medicine would be a great asset to the project," says Knecht with certainty.
EIT Health is set up as a knowledge and innovation community (KIC). EIT already manages three KICs, one of which is active in the field of climate protection and adaptations to climate change (Climate KIC). ETH Zurich is a participant in this KIC. Last week, the EIT announced the development of the fourth and fifth KICs (the fifth will focus on raw materials).