News
European Commission launches brand-new AI package
On Wednesday 21 April, the European Commission published its long-awaited regulation package on artificial intelligence (AI), including new rules and actions to position Europe as a hub for trustworthy AI application. The package includes a Communication on Fostering a European approach to Artificial Intelligence, a new regulatory framework on AI, a 2021 Coordinated Plan on Artificial Intelligence, and a Proposal for a Regulation on Machinery Products.
Julian Upton, journalist at Pharmaceutical Executive, interviewed the Avicenna Alliance Board Members
Emmanuelle Voisin, Policy Development Working Group leader and Thierry Marchal, Secretary General of the Alliance released an interview to Julian Upton from Pharmaceutical Executive.
The European Commission has established the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA)
On 1 April, the European Commission has newly established the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA). HaDEA has already started to operate and taken up its role as the new body in charge of the financial management of key EU work programmes for health. By aiming to address the European Commission’s ambition to rebuild a post-COVID-19 Europe which is greener, more digital, and more resilient, HaDEA will play a key role in helping Europe to emerge from the challenges faced under the COVID-19 crisis and in strengthening its resilience towards current and future challenges.
President Biden’s plans to establish HARPA
U.S. President Joe Biden is considering plans to create an Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (HARPA). This entity would support the funding of breakthrough innovations that solve medical problems, but which are not economically feasible for big health and pharmaceutical companies.
Avicenna provides input to the European Parliament Special Committee on Beating Cancer
Early March, the Avicenna Alliance had the opportunity to provide the European Parliament’s Committee on Cancer, with inputs on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the cancer field through an online survey. Avicenna members therefore provided a common response to the survey to explain how computer modelling and simulation can revolutionize cancer care in Europe.
The European Commission decides upon the orientations for Horizon Europe Programme
On 15 March the Commission published the Strategic Plan 2021-2024 for Horizon Europe. The Plan outlines the strategic orientations which will guide investments under the first four years of Horizon Europe’s execution. Accordingly, the Plan guarantees that its research and innovation (R&I) actions contribute to EU priorities and that investment allocation is done adequately.
