The OneHealth project goals to fulfill a variety of key aims, together with the supply of 12 cross-border research and innovation initiatives and help to twenty SMEs.
A brand new €9.85m cross-border project aiming to deal with essential public health challenges was launched in Belfast yesterday (8 December).
The OneHealth project, which was first announced in June, is a health and life sciences partnership that can use AI and digital health approaches to deal with urgent health and agrifood challenges by “recognising the vital connections between human, animal and environmental health”.
The four-year project – which is able to facilitate cross-border research between Northern Ireland and the border counties of the Republic of Ireland – can be led by science and know-how hub Catalyst in partnership with Atlantic Technology University, Queen’s University Belfast, Health Innovation Research Alliance Northern Ireland, Tyndall National Institute Cork and the University of Galway.
Key targets of the project’s timeline embody the supply of 12 cross-border research and innovation initiatives; the supply of help to twenty SMEs in creating new merchandise or processes; the supply of structured mentorship and help to twenty further SMEs by way of devoted accelerator programmes; and manufacturing of 20 “significant” joint publications, trade white papers or patents ensuing from cross-border collaborations.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke, TD, mentioned OneHealth represents “a significant step forward” in fostering cross-border collaboration, and welcomed the project’s “close alignment” with Ireland’s strategic priorities below the National AI Strategy and the Research and Innovation Strategy.
“By harnessing cutting-edge AI technologies and bringing together expertise from academia, industry and research bodies, this initiative will help address critical health and agrifood challenges while driving economic growth,” he mentioned. “The partnership exemplifies how cooperation between Northern Ireland and the border counties can deliver real benefits for our people, our environment and our shared future.”
The OneHealth project is supported by PeacePlus, a €1.14bn programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) that’s designed to help peace and prosperity throughout Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.
The programme – which is co-funded by the EU, the UK authorities, the Irish Government and the Northern Ireland Executive – is split into six themes in order to deal with social and financial challenges skilled by communities in the world.
“OneHealth reflects the vision we share for a healthier, more resilient, and more prosperous future for the citizens of Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland,” mentioned Gina McIntyre, CEO of SEUPB. “This innovative cross-border research project sets out to harness the power of innovation and strengthen the ties that bind communities, researchers and enterprises across the island of Ireland.”
McIntyre mentioned that the collaborative project comes at “a critical time”.
“We reside in a world that’s extra linked but additionally extra weak to local weather change, rising ailments, financial shocks and societal divisions. Economic growth in any post-conflict area is crucial for constructing and sustaining peace.
“OneHealth is a demonstration of how targeted investment in this area supporting innovation can deliver tangible benefits for health, the environment and the economy.”
Earlier this yr, the Irish Government announced €16m in funding for four cross-border research collaborations between greater training establishments throughout the island of Ireland.
The initiatives included a brand new research hub for Parkinson’s illness, coordinated cybersecurity options, and an artwork and design initiative to spice up group involvement in transformative research.
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