Cooperation and collaboration for neurological disease research
An earlier project, ERA-NET NEURON I, laid the foundation for this ambitious goal, and the project ERA-NET NEURON II (Network of European funding for neuroscience research) has continued efforts to connect the many independent funding agencies and ministries supporting neuroscience research. ERA-NET NEURON II first created a platform where partners both inside and outside of Europe could work together on Joint Transnational Calls for proposals and so provide reliable funding opportunities. Canada as well as associate partners during project runtime, Latvia and Slovakia, joined the initiative. Other key activities of the ERA-NET NEURON II project included foresight and scientific workshops with top researchers from all partner countries and beyond. Thus, existing knowledge could be integrated with new developments and future perspectives identified. In addition, ERA-NET NEURON II implemented measures to support young neuroscientists by rewarding them for outstanding research with an annual publication award. A platform for collaboration with complementary pan-European activities was also provided. Joint Programming Initiatives, Mental Health Roadmap, European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI) and the project E-Rare2 concerned with rare diseases were partners for exchange and mutual information. ERA-NET NEURON II has built an essential framework and culture of cooperation among funding agencies and ministries that continues as NEURON Cofund in H2020. The multidisciplinary collaboration in the funded research projects is the way forward for translation of research results into the clinic, drug development, other therapeutics and diagnostics. Long term, obtained results could support paving the way for cures for brain and nervous system disorders and help for their caregivers and relatives.
Keywords
Neurological disease, ERA-NET NEURON II, neuroscience, funding agencies, mental health
