Gut health gets Europe together
Health issues involving food-related ailments and the GI tract are prevalent throughout Europe and can benefit from a strong network to enhance this particular area of healthcare. The EU-funded project 'Networking in candidate countries towards food, GI tract functionality and human health' (Guthealth Support) established networking forums in various European countries to promote related EU research on the topic. The project unveiled cutting-edge research results and innovations aimed at different target groups, advancing food research, nutrition and food safety particularly among EU Associated Candidate Countries, industry and consumers. To achieve its goals Guthealth Support organised road show workshops targeted to both young and well established scientists, as well as to policymakers and students. Road shows were held in Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Malta and Poland covering topics such as probiotics and molecular microbial ecology of the GI tract. Moreover, the project conducted a 2-week laboratory course that attracted 20 participants, 17 of whom were women thus supporting gender equality in the field. This course gave participants, half of whom were PhD students, solid background in pursuing their individual research activities. Through a vibrant mix of students hailing from different countries, the course also enhanced scientific networking. Another major activity has been to invite scientists from EU Associated and Candidate Countries to different scientific gatherings and conferences. Through these events, scientists from EU Member States and Candidate Countries exchanged research results and knowledge, particularly through presentations and posters. In all, the road shows, courses and exchanges advanced this area of health research in unprecedented ways, bringing the EU's surrounding countries into the fold on yet another level. The emerging networks will benefit GI tract and food research, hopefully bringing relief to numerous Europeans.
