We would all like to innovate, but it’s hard enough doing the day job at the moment, isn’t it?
Even if you have the ideas – and the Pharmacy Management National Forum is all about ideas – there’s the small matter of funding that can get in the way.
Research involves devoting a lot of time to both the work itself and the grant applications that inevitably go with it.
The EU is aware of this and has moved to streamline the process and widen access to research funding. Horizon 2020 is the biggest EU Research and Innovation programme ever with nearly €80 billion of funding available over 7 years (2014 to 2020) – not to mention any private investment that may follow in matched or sequential funding.
The EU says “Horizon 2020 is open to everyone, with a simple structure that reduces red tape and time so participants can focus on what is really important. This approach makes sure new projects get off the ground quickly – and achieve results faster.”
But don’t take their word for it – Professor Michael Scott (Head of Pharmacy & Medicines Management, Northern Health & Social Care Trust, Northern Ireland) will talk about Horizon 2020 and best practice reference sites as part of his satellite presentation on The European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing. This aims to add two quality life years to our older citizens by 2020.
(Hint – if you were born before 1970 you might have a personal interest in this!)
- Who doesn’t want 2 extra QALYs?
- Who doesn’t want access to research and development funding to drive innovation in their practice?
See you there, then.