Exploring the connection between EU-funded research and methodological approaches: insights from a retrospective...

Area of Science:

• Medical research
• Oncology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Significant investments in Alzheimer's disease (AD), breast cancer (BC), and prostate cancer (PC) research over two decades.
• The Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission (EC) analyzed EU-funded research advancements and societal impact in these areas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate methodological approaches (animal and non-animal) in EU-funded AD, BC, and PC research.
• To explore the research outputs associated with these different methodologies across EU framework programs (FP5-H2020).

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of EU framework programs (FP5, FP6, FP7, H2020).
• Categorization of research methodologies into animal and non-animal models and methods.
• Examination of research outputs linked to specific methodologies.

Main Results:

• Alzheimer's disease (AD) research predominantly utilized animal models, especially in drug development projects under H2020.
• Non-animal methods were more frequently employed for research with societal impact, including clinical trial design, diagnosis, prevention, and lifestyle interventions.
• Advanced non-animal strategies, such as imaging, computational tools, biomarker discovery, and organ/tissue chip technologies, were favored in cutting-edge investigations.

Conclusions:

• A correlation exists between methodological choices and the translational potential of research outcomes.
• Future EU framework programs may need to reconsider research strategy planning based on these findings.
• Optimizing methodological approaches can enhance the societal impact of cancer and neurodegenerative disease research.