The inaugural World Research and Innovation Congress took place at the Steigenberger Grandhotel in Brussels on 5 and 6 June. It was a truly international event attended by senior scientific healthcare delegates from over 50 different countries with the aim of building their networks and knowledge to improve work on future research projects.
Prior to the event Màire Geoghegan-Quinn, European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science recognised its importance when she said, “The World Research and Innovation Congress aims to bring together key stakeholders in healthcare research to discuss the most important issues impacting our efforts to address the ‘Grand Challenges’ of tomorrow. The importance of collaborating internationally to address these Grand Challenges cannot be understated. Realising the efficacy of such partnerships relies upon the communication and sharing of results, plans, resources and lessons learned by all international stakeholders…”
The Congress helped connect NGO’s and the private sector, researchers, institutions and policy makers in scientific healthcare and enabled them to share their critical research findings.
Dr Roxanne Deslauriers, Director of Research at the Institute for Biodiagnostics, Canada Research Council said of the event;
“I really enjoyed the Congress, it provided a great networking opportunity. Not only did I meet international delegates but I also had a chance to network with Canadians I had never met! … We know our research is excellent…. the opportunity to spread the word internationally is a real “plus” for our institute and its young staff!
The ‘Grand Challenges’ were addressed by leading figures in the scientific healthcare field including:
• Professor Anne Glover, Chief Advisor to the President of the European Commission who presented the topic ‘Science for Health’
• World Health Organisation Director of Reproductive Health, Professor Dr Marleen Temmerman who introduced their new report ‘From research to action: violence against women and girls’
• Carl Schlyter, Swedish MEP, who spoke on ‘Prize funds as a new model for medical research’
• Dr Hugh Laverty from Innovative Medicines Initiative in Belgium who shared their model for research when he introduced ‘Boosting drug development through public-private partnerships’
To view all of the presentations go to: www.worldresearchcongress.com
