THE ERA-ENVHEALTH NETWORK

Abstract

Background and Aims: Reducing uncertainties about the links between environment and health (E&H) and taking action through protection and prevention measures is necessary. For these measures to be effective, cooperation between all concerned actors must be improved and research driven by a common set of priorities. ERA-ENVHEALTH enhances European coordination of E&H research programming. Methods: The network of 16 E&H research programmers from 10 countries started in September 2008 and has received funding from the European Community’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) under grant agreement n° 219 337. To establish sustainable collaboration, an integrated step-by-step approach is implemented to evaluate methods, define priorities and respond to these through joint activities. The originality of ERA-ENVHEALTH is that it launched a first call early on to experiment joint funding and assess its implementation. Results: Collaboration between ERA-ENVHEALTH partners has enabled the development of a shared vision and improved exchange of knowledge and expertise through access to information at the European level via its website and databases for experts and research programmes. To experiment joint funding and have a better use of resources, two projects are now running, funded by three partners under the first common call, on: “Health vulnerability resulting from future climate change impacts on soil-water ecosystems, land use and water resources at regional scale”. The consortium has analysed the collected data on research programmes and is identifying common priorities for collaborative research and activities, including a second common call. Conclusions: ERA-ENVHEALTH brings dynamism to E&H research in the EU by promoting collaboration and fostering innovative ideas, and by increasing its visibility as a key area for research. With the development of new programmes and changes to existing ones, an increase is expected in the diversity of disciplines involved in research and in multinational projects on E&H issues.