Research Projects

Health challenges demand cohesive solutions, necessitating the integration of knowledge across diverse fields. Yet, traditional academic structures often silo expertise, hindering collaborative breakthroughs. In countries like Portugal, Romania, and Slovenia, disparities in funding and publication rates exacerbate this issue, impeding progress in critical health domains. In this context, the EU-funded EUTOPIA_HEALTH project aims to transform the academic landscape by fostering collaboration across health-related disciplines. Through capacity building, interdisciplinary training, and research support, EUTOPIA_HEALTH aims to empower institutions and researchers, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of health innovation. By embracing open and collaborative practices, the project aims to propel European research forward, enhancing visibility, funding absorption, and societal impact.

The project targets three Widening countries, Romania, Slovenia, Portugal, striving to overcome funding and publication disparities, and spearheading academic excellence and innovation in these critical domains.

Consortium partners are: Babeș-Bolyai University - Vrije Universiteit Brussel - Ca’ Foscari University of Venice - CY Cergy Paris University - University of Gothenburg - University of Ljubljana - NOVA University Lisbon - Pompeu Fabra University-Barcelona - University of Warwick

Importance for the science

The EUTOPIA_HEALTH project is of key importance for scientific development in higher education institutions in EU enlargement countries, as it promotes an inclusive and competitive research environment in line with the priorities of the European Research Area (ERA). This increases the international visibility of these institutions and improves their competitiveness in obtaining international research funding, such as Horizon Europe, ERC, and NIH. An important achievement of the project is the introduction of a new institutional framework for research and innovation (R&I) management that strengthens research excellence, particularly in health-related disciplines. The focus is on research that enables the transfer of basic research into innovative health products and services. The strategic objective of integrating citizen science increases trust in science and promotes responsible research practices. The project also has economic significance as it promotes innovative growth, an increase in the number of spin-off companies, and the granting of patents. Stronger cooperation between universities and businesses leads to more research results being transferred to industry. By developing science-based policies in the areas of environmental, mental, and nutritional health, the project also contributes to improving public health. This raises awareness and understanding of key health issues among decision-makers and contributes to a better quality of life in the wider European area. The project thus has a long-term impact on health policymaking in Europe.

Importance for the development of Slovenia

The EUTOPIA_HEALTH project is of exceptional importance for Slovenia's development, as it strengthens the research capacity of Slovenian higher education institutions, especially those participating in the consortium. Alignment with the priorities of the European Research Area (ERA) enables Slovenian universities to position themselves more competitively in the global research arena. This increases the visibility of Slovenian research institutions and improves their access to international funding such as Horizon Europe, ERC, and NIH, enabling greater financial support for research projects in Slovenia. The project introduces a new institutional framework for research and innovation (R&I) management, which will enable the Slovenian research sector to conduct research more effectively, particularly in health-related disciplines. In addition, the project promotes the integration of citizen science, which increases public trust in scientific research, strengthens citizen involvement in research processes, and encourages responsible and transparent implementation of scientific projects. This will also enable better policy-making and greater support for scientific research from wider society. Economically, the project will contribute to innovative growth by promoting the growth of health spin-off companies and a higher number of patents, which means greater commercialization of research results. Stronger cooperation between Slovenian universities and the business sector will help transfer research into market-oriented solutions, which will contribute to economic development and the creation of new jobs in Slovenia. In addition, the project will contribute to the development of improved health policies in Slovenia and raise the profile of Slovenia as a country that promotes research and innovation, strengthening its position in the international scientific and economic arena. This will have a positive impact on the development of the Slovenian economy, healthcare, and society at large.