Integrating research in neurosciences
The EU-funded 'Neurosciences research clusters of excellence' (NEURO-RESCUE) project has brought together six partners from four European regions and their medical cluster/structures. The consortium has developed an integrative research model to coordinate policy, research and enterprise in neurosciences through dialogue with key stakeholders (e.g. policymakers).Project members began with a mapping analysis exercise for carrying out a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis of the four bio-clusters. This helped to determine their key competencies, identify important stakeholders and relevant policies as well as assess the market in terms of competition and demand. Based on SWOT outcomes, a joint action plan (JAP)was created to optimise research and development of the participating bio-clusters and promote effective collaborations. Important areas such as research priorities, funding and other resources, market needs and research gaps, innovation support and transnational cooperation have been be addressed. Implementation of the JAP will continue to enhance resource and knowledge sharing between research organisations involved in mental health research through mentoring and other activities. This will also promote better collaboration between academia and industry at regional, national and international level.Ultimately project activities should facilitate research and innovation in neurosciences through information on supportive policies, research gaps and opportunities as well as funding sources. Research and policy fragmentation and duplication could also be avoided through joint research on similar subjects, particularly in the medical device and biomedical sectors.
Keywords
Mental, illness, dementia, neurodegenerative, joint action plan, neuroscience, research cluster, collaboration, SWOT, funding
