The following topics have been called:
Challenge 2: Cognitive systems, interaction, robotics
ICT 2009.2.1 Cognitive Systems and Robotics CP, CSA (CA Only)
Challenge 4: Digital Libraries and Content
ICT 2009.4.1 Digital Libraries and Digital Preservation CP, NoE, CSA
Challenge 5: Towards sustainable and personalised healthcare
ICT 2009.5.3 Virtual Physiological Human CP, CSA
Challenge 6: ICT for mobility, environmental sustainability and energy efficiency
ICT 2009.6.2 ICT for Mobility of the Future CP, CSA
Horizontal support actions
ICT 2009.9.1 International Cooperation CP (STREP/SICA only)
ICT 2009.9.2 Supplements to support International Cooperation between ongoing projects CP
---
Proposals are expected to address one of the following target outcomes:
a) Development of patient-specific computer based models and simulation of the physiology of human organs and pathologies. The models should be multiscale by integrating relevant aspects of anatomy and physiology across different levels (from molecular and cellular to tissue and organ levels). The emphasis should be on the integration of existing models rather than on development of new models. The use and benefits of the models must be demonstrated for a specific clinical need covering prediction of disease, prediction of treatment outcome and/or early diagnosis. Any organ or pathology could be targeted as clinical application. Access to existing computing facilities external to the consortium could be supported.
The objective is to support at least 1 IP to be funded under a).
b) Development of ICT tools, services and specialised infrastructure for the biomedical researchers to support at least two of the following three activities: i) to share data and knowledge needed for a new integrative research approach in medicine (biomedical informatics), ii) to share or jointly develop multiscale models and simulators, iii) to create collaborative environments supporting this highly multidisciplinary field. When necessary, computing power and data management could be sought through access to existing advanced grid infrastructures as well as high performance computing resources such as the emerging petascale computing facilities. New tools, services and applications will also be evaluated on their effectiveness and their ability to interface with existing medical research infrastructures. Their targeted services will facilitate the clinical use of computer based organ and disease models as well as biomedical data. These tools and services will complement and be compatible with existing methods and standards (terminologies, ontologies, mark-up languages) like those used by the Network of Excellence –VPH NoE (FP7-ICT-call 2). International Cooperation in this field is encouraged.
The objective is to support at least one IP to be funded under b).
c) Support action on evaluation and assessment of VPH projects. Assessment proposals will address at least the following three aspects: i) the optimal use and contribution to the shared tools and infrastructure, ii) the clinical achievements, iii) the market potential or penetration. The proposed methodology should take into account existing international efforts and promote global validation framework.
d) Coordination/Support action to develop an observatory on the achievements and evolution of the broader Biomedical Informatics field which builds on synergies between bioinformatics, medical informatics, and neuroinformatics. The action should incorporate intensive dissemination and training components and facilitate FP7 Cooperation Work Programme: Information and Communication Technologies communication between projects, including VPH projects and those funded beyond the ICT priority, so that a productive, open European environment for crosscollaboration among the different fields involved can be sustained over time. In that respect, the action should take advantage of the achievements of previous Networks of Excellence and other projects funded under FP6.
Expected Impact
• More predictive, individualised, effective and safer healthcare.
• Accelerated developments of medical knowledge discovery and management,
development of devices and procedures using in-silico environments.
• Improved interoperability of biomedical information and knowledge.
• Increased acceptance and use of realistic and validated models that allow researchers
from different disciplines to exploit, share resources and develop new knowledge.
• Reinforced leadership of European industry and strengthened multidisciplinary
research excellence in supporting innovative medical care.
Funding schemes
a-b): IP/STREP; c-d): CSA
Indicative budget distribution:
IP/STREP – EUR 61 million; with a minimum of 30% to STREPs and with more than 50% to IPs, including at least one IP under a [patient-specific computer based models and simulation] and at least one IP under b [ICT tools, services and specialised infrastructure for the biomedical researchers].
