Sectoral research and development programme (EEC) in the field of medical and public health research - concerted action, 1982-1986

Executed with reference to the Council Resolution of 14 January 1974 (Official Journal No C 7 of 29.1.1974) on an initial outline programme of the European Communities in the field of science and technology, this third sectoral medical research programme included 33 projects. Besides new projects of common interest, it covered the continuation of the three concerted action projects from the first programme (1978-1981) and the integration of the four projects from the second (1980-1984). Funds left over from the 1980-1982 budgets were incorporated in its budget.
To increase the efficiency of the R&D efforts of Member States in the field of medical and public health research by mobilizing the research potential of national programmes and ensuring their gradual coordination at Community level, and also to improve scientific and technical knowledge in this sector, having particular regard to the potential for industrial and economic development.
Three subprogrammes:

- Health problems:
Projects associated with the health problems of birth and old age and with breakdown in adaptation;

- Health resources:
Development of health services research, health technology and human resources;

- Personal environment (Nutrition and pharmaceuticals):
Understanding the impact on health of dietary habit and the intake of drugs.
The Commission, assisted by a General Concerted Action Committee and by four separate Concerted Action Committees (COMACs), was responsible for implementing the programme by the concerted action method. This meant that research projects were selected by the Member States for Community-level coordination, carried out by the Member States in their national institutes and entirely financed from their national budgets.

The Community was authorized to conclude agreements with the non-Member States participating in the field of scientific and technical research (COST) with a view to associating them wholly or partly with the programme.

The Member States and the Commission exchanged all useful information on the execution of research covered by the Decision. Before the end of the third year, the programme was evaluated with a view to its possible revision. A report on the evaluation was sent to the Council and the European Parliament.