FOCUS 4R
Fostering Outermost Regions Capabilities in R&I and Upgrading Skills complying with 4R principles
+ Empowering researchers and innovators to build a sustainable, competitive biomedical ecosystem in Europe’s Outermost Regions.
+ IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
+ What is the FOCUS 4R Project?
FOCUS-4R - Fostering Outermost regions Capabilities in R&I and Upgrading Skills complying with 4R principles
HORIZON-WIDERA-2024-TALENTS
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+Context & Key Challenges in Europe's Outermost Regions
An Innovative Project for Research and Innovation in Outermost Regions
01. Context and Key Information
Challenges in the Ultra-Peripheral Regions
(Réunion, Canary Islands, Madeira):
- High youth unemployment (40-50% compared to an EU average of 16%).
- Low level of education, skills gap and brain drain
- Few biomedical companies (<10 in all regions).
- Geographical distance, high costs, weak networks
02. Project Objectives
The main objective of the FOCUS-4R project is to strengthen R&I capacities of Outermost Region through intersectoral mobilities to fast acquire autonomy, competitiveness and attractiveness in the biomedical R&I sector.
SO1: Improve the quality of scientific research of the Widening staff with new skills and knowledge complying with the 4R principles through mobility and training
SO2: Enhance talents’ entrepreneurship and other transferable skills through cross-sectorial exchanges.
SO3: Create an attractive Research and Innovation ecosystem in the field of biomedical technologies to keep talents in the Outermost Regions
SO4: Develop a structured and sustainable network of Excellence based on academia/non academia cooperation
03. Expected Impacts
FOCUS-4R project will contribute to the 2024-TALENTS-03-01 Topic Expected Outcomes (short- and mediumterm) and to the expected impacts set in the destination of the Work Program 2023-2025 “Widening participation and strengthening the European Research Area” (long-term).
EO1: Strengthened R&I human capital base in Widening countries with more entrepreneurial and better-trained researchers, innovators, research managers and/or other R&I talents
EO2: A more balanced geographical and cross-sectoral talent circulation
EO3: Increased Excellence of the research performing organizations in Widening countries
EO4: A more structured and impactful collaboration between the academic and non-academic sectors
EO5: Improved employability and sustainable career prospects for R&I talents within the academic and nonacademic sectors
04. Knowledge-Sharing Process through Mobility
The FOCUS-4R Consortium brings together a well-balanced group of experienced partners with strong, established connections across the entire 4Rs principles value chain.
Reunion Island
Current state
Risk for infectious diseases, especially vector-borne epidemic (Dengue, Zika, Rift), due to subtropical climate and the geographical proximity to Africa’s Eastern Coast. High incidence of chronic diseases, including certain cancares, diabetes, obesity neurodegenerative diseases.
Need
Trained workforces and entrepreneurships skills to develop diagnostic and therapy solutions for healthcare.
Madeira Island
Current state
Aging population (cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, respiratory conditions, cancer): mosquito-borne diseases high rate of youth emigration due to lack of career opportunities
Need
Attract local human resources trained in health and biomedicine; promote entrepreneurship; strengthen ties between research labs and clinical staff
Canary
Island
Current state
Respiratory conditions ( Sahara sand) and heat stress, asthama. Vector-borne diseases (insects facilitating the spread of tropical diseases). Climate change impact on health.
Need
Increased adaptive capacity of the health sector.