The first meeting of the Research Policy Network took place on 4 July 2024 at 14:00-15:30 CEST.

Network participants had the opportunity to share input on future activities for the Network and priorities for European cancer research and innovation policy at large. Reflections included:

• the importance of investment and support for research in cancer prevention, non-systemic cancer treatment modalities and patients’ quality of life throughout their cancer pathway, including such elements as nutrition and distress; and,
• the need for cancer research and innovation to be based on patients’ needs, to give strong attention to implementation of research outcomes via health systems optimization and to embrace meaningful citizen and patient involvement.

If you wish to participate to future meetings or learn more about how your organisation can join or support the Network, please contact us here.

The Research Policy Network will also have its dedicated session at the European Cancer Summit on 21 November 2024 (11:45-13:00 CET). You can find the full programme (regularly updated) here and information on how to register here. And, in case you are a researcher under the age of 40, we warmly invite you to participate to our Call for Abstracts. Find more information on how to participate and on the related opportunities at this link.

Background

Ambitious, cutting-edge research is essential to turn the tide against cancer, allowing more effective innovations in diagnosis and treatment to benefit patients and societies. Europe has set high targets through the EU Cancer Mission. Through the Cancer Mission and the Horizon Europe programme, the European Union has set the ambitious goal of improving the lives of more than 3 million people by 2030 through better prevention, cures, and quality of life, through a more patient-centred approach to research and innovation. Meanwhile, the Lancet Oncology European Groundshot Commission has shown the range of challenges faced by cancer research in Europe and called for a doubling of the European cancer research budget to €50 million by 2030.

The new Research Policy Network of the European Cancer Organisation brings together stakeholders from across the cancer community to examine all policy needs faced by scientists, healthcare professionals, patients, and decision-makers along the cancer research pathway. This will focus on basic and translational research, health service and public health research, clinical, implementation, across Europe and its benefits to cancer patients and health systems.

To learn more or to support our work, please contact us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..