A consortium of European life scientists from 10 life science institutes have established Alliance4Life, a new initiative aimed at increasing research excellence in Central and Eastern European countries. The project hopes to uncover the fundamental causes of the discrepancies in health research and innovation between the older (Western) and more recently joined (Central/Eastern) EU member states. The consortium has two years to develop recommendations on how to improve health research and innovation in the region, as well as on how to advance research conditions.

Some issues plaguing the state of the health research industry in Central and Eastern Europe include nepotism, a lack of openness and transparency, and subpar management. For example, despite the talent and knowledge of a scientist in Central or Eastern Europe, unless they have the “right” connections, they will likely not be able to get their projects funded. Alliance4Life also aims to improve the reputation profiles of research institutions in Central and Eastern Europe as a means to appeal to more specialized workers.

The project will develop a list of indicators that will be used as benchmarks to compare Western EU countries with institutions in Central and Eastern Europe. Alliance4Life will also establish an international school of research management to provide key training to mid- and top-level managers at research institutes. The consortium hopes that the results of the Alliance4Life recommendations will positively impact that EU’s next funding program, which will begin in 2021.

Source: Horizon