What is Horizon Europe?
Horizon Europe is the European Union's key funding program for research and innovation. It aims to ensure Europe produces world-class science, removes barriers to innovation, and makes it easier for the public and private sectors to work together in delivering innovation. The program runs from 2021 to 2027, with a budget of €95.5 billion.
How Does Horizon Europe Impact Toxicology?
Toxicology, the study of the adverse effects of chemicals on living organisms, plays a crucial role in ensuring public health and safety. Horizon Europe supports
research projects that address critical issues in toxicology, such as the development of alternative methods to animal testing, understanding the mechanisms of toxicity, and improving the risk assessment of chemicals.
How Are Projects Funded?
Projects are funded based on a competitive process. Researchers and organizations submit proposals that are evaluated by independent experts. The evaluation considers the proposal's scientific excellence, impact, and implementation. Successful projects receive financial support, resources, and collaboration opportunities.
EU-ToxRisk: Aims to drive the paradigm shift in toxicology towards animal-free and mechanism-based testing strategies.
ONTOX: Focuses on developing a new generation of chemical safety assessment methods using computational and experimental approaches.
PrecisionTox: Seeks to identify molecular signatures of toxicants to improve precision in risk assessment.
Why Is Collaboration Important?
Collaboration is crucial in toxicology research due to the complex nature of the field. Horizon Europe fosters collaboration by bringing together scientists, industry experts, policymakers, and regulators. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that research is comprehensive and applicable in real-world scenarios. It also facilitates the sharing of data and resources, accelerating scientific progress.
What Are the Challenges and Opportunities?
Despite the progress, there are challenges in toxicology research, such as the need for more predictive models and better integration of data. However, Horizon Europe presents opportunities for innovation, especially in
predictive toxicology and personalized medicine. The program encourages novel approaches and the translation of research into practical applications.
How Can Researchers Get Involved?
Researchers can participate in Horizon Europe by responding to
calls for proposals. These calls detail specific research topics and objectives. Interested parties must form consortia, often including partners from different countries and sectors, to enhance the scope and impact of the research.
Conclusion
Horizon Europe represents a significant opportunity for advancing toxicology research. By prioritizing safety, innovation, and collaboration, it aims to address the key challenges in the field and improve public health outcomes. The program's support for cutting-edge research and international partnerships is essential for developing new approaches and methodologies in toxicology.
