Public Health Information Day:
On the 25th April the EC held an information day entitled 'European Public Health Research in Action'. This event was organised to raise the profile of “Pillar 3” the new public health research strand of the Health workprogramme.  The main aims of Pillar 3 are to:

• Generate scientific basis to underpin policy decisions on health systems.
  
• More effective and evidenced based strategies of health promotion, disease prevention, diagnosis and therapy.

The opening session examined public health research policy and activities across Europe and synergies between the activities in DG Health and Consumer Protection and DG Research, as well as in other parts of the EC. It is important for researchers working in this area to be aware of the wider policy context when considering the topics in the Work Programme, in particular where this is shaping EU health policy.

Further sessions provided detail on the research to be funded in public health and details on the submission and evaluation of proposals and the role of the National Contact Points in providing advice and assistance to applicants.

The presentations and related resources from the events are available on the Public Health Research Information Day website at: http://publichealthinfoday.intbase.com

BioFinance Europe

On 18th June approximately 200 representatives from UK companies attended this new BioIndustry Association event.  The event brought together experienced bioscience investors together with senior executives from some of the most innovative companies in Europe, and explored traditional financing models alongside more innovative solutions including international charities (Wellcome Trust and the Gates Foundation) and the Framework Programme. The latter was delivered by a speaker from the Commission and the FP7UK Health NCP.   THE BIA are planning to run BioFinance Europe again in 2008.