Published: 25 November 2022

New EU4Health work programme launched

€735 million will be available for EU4Health projects in 2023, supporting European policies that seek to improve healthcare systems and patient outcomes.

The European Commission has just launched the next annual work programme of EU4Health, the EU’s biggest and most diverse public health funding programme ever. With a total budget of €735 million for 2023, it will bring together a range of calls under five main strands:

1. Cancer research: Cancer remains a top priority of EU4Health in 2023, with €187 million allocated to the implementation of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. This includes funding for the initiative to develop an EU Network of Comprehensive Cancer Infrastructures, linking recognised Comprehensive Cancer Centres and cancer care networks in every Member State. Other cancer actions include the follow up of 2022 actions on screening programmes, while the mental health of cancer patients is now a priority for the first time.
2. Crisis preparedness: The focus here will be on supporting the establishment and management of the new European Health Emergency preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), in particular improving and strengthening national surveillance systems.
3. Health promotion and disease prevention: Calls in this area will zone in on tobacco control, as well as the prevention of non-communicable diseases with a focus on respiratory diseases, mental health and dementia.
4. Health systems and healthcare workforce: The 2023 work programme prioritises European reference networks (ERNs) and supports for implementation of legislative changes in areas such as medical devices, pharmaceuticals and blood tissues, cells and organs.
5. Digital: Calls here will support Member States in preparing for the European Health Data Space in the areas of primary and secondary use of health data.  

The Work Programme in full is available to download from the European Commission.

Commenting on the launch, Amanda Daly, National Focal Point for EU4Health and Programme Manager at the HRB, says:

“The 2023 Work Programme offers those working in research and the health system many exciting opportunities to secure funding in areas that are vital to the future of healthcare here in Ireland. For anyone working in relevant focus areas, I would really encourage you to get in touch and find out more on how to apply ahead of calls being announced over the coming months.”

Through hosting the National Focal Point for EU4Health, the HRB helps Irish researchers and health practitioners tap into new funding streams as well as the myriad benefits of international collaborative research – as outlined in our recent HRB blog post ‘EU4Health: harnessing the power of cross-border collaboration’.

Find out more: HRB webinar on EU funding opportunities for cancer research

On 6 December at 3pm, the HRB will be hosting a webinar on EU funding opportunities for cancer research in Horizon Europe and the Cancer Mission, the EU4Health programme and the TRANSCAN-3 network. Registration is open to all: register now.

For one-to-one advice and guidance on all things EU4Health, please contact Amanda Daly, National Focal Point (NFP) for EU4Health by email to amanda.daly@hrb.ie or call +353 85 8620938 for dedicated end-to-end support developing your proposal and guidance with all aspects of your submission including:

• identifying the right call for you
• finding project partners
• navigating the application process

You can also find further information on EU4Health on our website, including details on the programme objectives, who can apply, and a list of open calls under the current 2022 work programme.