On 30 September 2026, Alzheimer Europe participated in a research and innovation breakfast organised by COCIR and hosted by MEP Michael Hadjipantela (EPP, Cyprus) at the European Parliament in Brussels. Entitled “Health Innovation Partnerships: Impact through Collaboration”, the event brought together representatives from patient organisations, research, industry and healthcare to discuss the role and future direction of the Innovative Health Initiative (IHI), in the context of ongoing discussions on the EU’s next long-term budget.
Angela Bradshaw, Deputy Executive Director of Alzheimer Europe, contributed to a panel discussion entitled “What’s Next for European Health Innovation Partnerships?”, which explored the priorities for future European partnerships and how research and innovation can deliver tangible benefits for patients and healthcare systems. Also contributing to the panel, which was moderated by Francisco Florindi (DG RTD, European Commission) were Sara Zullino (EATRIS), Evis Sala (European Radiology), Monika Hierath (EIBIR) and Michele Calabro (EUREGHA).
During the discussion, Angela reflected on Alzheimer Europe’s longstanding involvement in European public-private research partnerships, highlighting how the organisation’s role has evolved from more traditional patient representation towards increasingly active and meaningful involvement in research design, implementation and the translation of results into practice. She emphasised that this evolution has accompanied the expanding scope and ambition of the IHI, with greater opportunities for patient organisations to contribute their expertise across the research and innovation process.
The discussion also addressed the importance of ensuring that future European partnerships respond to patient needs, strengthen healthcare system resilience and support the adoption of successful innovations in clinical practice.
