Absence of biomedical engineering from Horizon 2020

20.7.2015

Question for written answer E-011613-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Lara Comi (PPE) , Nicola Caputo (S&D)

Biomedical Engineering (BME) is a cross-disciplinary science bringing together engineering, biology and medicine and delivering innovations which improve health and quality of life for European citizens, as recognised by the European Economic and Social Committee. Alongside this, it is also a key growth sector for the European economy.

Whereas in the US BME is recognised as a standalone discipline with dedicated funding resources, the EU lacks a consistent approach. Although BME has been recognised in different framework programmes, in Horizon 2020 it is still fragmented and BME as a term is not explicitly mentioned, demonstrating that support for it is not seen as a priority. Rather, BME should be included into Horizon 2020 as a field considered distinct and separate from other health technologies (e.g. biotechnology), with dedicated research and innovation programmes.

In this light, does the Commission intend to include dedicated support for BME research and innovation in the forthcoming Horizon 2020 work programmes, thus allowing it to fully realise its potential to the benefit of EU citizens and Europe’s competitiveness?