IHI launches draft topics Call 4 & 5

The Innovative Health Initiative (IHI) is gearing up for its next round of calls for proposals, set to launch in the summer of 2023.

IHI call 4 (Two-Stag Call)

1. Expanding translational knowledge in minipigs: a path to reduce and replace non-human primates in non-clinical safety assessment: This topic seeks to encourage research aimed at reducing the reliance on non-human primates in non-clinical safety assessment. By expanding translational knowledge in minipigs, researchers can develop alternative methodologies that are more ethical and effective.
2. Patient-centric blood sample collection to enable decentralized clinical trials and improve access to healthcare: This topic focuses on transforming the process of blood sample collection to make it more patient-centric. By enabling decentralized clinical trials and improving access to healthcare, this research could revolutionize the way data is collected, leading to more inclusive and efficient clinical studies.
3. Inclusive clinical studies for equitable access to clinical research in Europe: Promoting equitable access to clinical research is the central goal of this topic. The aim is to encourage inclusive clinical studies that consider diverse populations and ensure equal opportunities for participation across Europe.
4. Establishing novel approaches to improve clinical trials for rare and ultra-rare diseases: This topic highlights the need for innovative approaches to enhance clinical trials for rare and ultra-rare diseases. By exploring new methodologies and strategies, researchers can overcome the unique challenges associated with these conditions, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
5. Safe & sustainable by design (SSbD) packaging and single-use device solutions for healthcare products: With a focus on sustainability and safety, this topic aims to develop packaging and single-use device solutions for healthcare products that are both safe and environmentally friendly. Emphasizing the concept of “safe and sustainable by design” can have a significant impact on the healthcare industry’s carbon footprint.
6. Sustainable circular development and manufacturing of healthcare products and their quantitative environmental impact assessment: Addressing the environmental impact of healthcare product development and manufacturing is the objective of this topic. By adopting sustainable and circular practices, researchers can reduce waste, enhance resource efficiency, and ensure a positive environmental impact throughout the product lifecycle.Note: The draft topics on translational knowledge in minipigs and patient-centric blood collection have been slightly modified compared to previous versions published on this page.

IHI Call 5 (Single-Stage Call)

1. Accelerating the implementation of new approach methodologies and other innovative non-animal approaches for the development, testing, and production of health technologies: This topic seeks to advance the implementation of alternative methodologies and non-animal approaches in the development, testing, and production of health technologies. By embracing innovation, researchers can contribute to a more ethical and efficient healthcare landscape.
2. Development and proof of principle of new clinical applications of theranostics solutions: Focusing on theranostics solutions, this topic aims to explore new clinical applications and validate their feasibility. Theranostics combines therapeutic and diagnostic capabilities, offering immense potential for personalized medicine and targeted treatments.
3. Improved prediction, detection, and treatment approaches for comprehensive stroke management: Addressing the critical need for comprehensive stroke management, this topic encourages research into improved approaches for prediction, detection, and treatment. By enhancing our understanding of strokes and developing innovative strategies, researchers can make significant advancements in saving lives and minimizing the burden of this devastating condition.
4. Maximizing the potential of synthetic data generation in healthcare applications: This topic focuses on harnessing the power of synthetic data generation in healthcare applications. Synthetic data offers a valuable alternative to real patient data, enabling researchers to conduct studies and develop solutions while preserving privacy and data security.

Note: The topics are currently under consultation with the States’ Representatives Group and Science and Innovation Panel. They may undergo considerable changes before the official call launch. Applicants are advised to refer to the final, approved topic texts once the calls are launched.

For more information visit the website of IHI.