EIT-Leuphana University address ageing

A university in Europe is leading a coalition of research institutes to forge closer collaborative ties with the European Institute for Innovation and Technology (EIT).

The Leuphana University Lüneburg in Germany said it will begin working with the EIT to help address the challenges and opportunities of progressive ageing of the population following an increase in life expectancy in Europe. A large scale EU project to promote knowledge-based innovation, entitled ‘Healthy Living and Active Ageing,’ will unlock the economic growth potential of demographic change and allow people to lead an active life well into old age.

The Leuphana-lead international consortium consists of a group including the Republic of Malta, ICHOM (International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement), Sclavo Vaccines Association of Italy and Novartis Vaccines Institute for Global Health.

“The enormous value to European societies will primarily be unlocked through the efficient and effective use of ‘Big Data’ to boost innovation in education, research and business in Europe,” said Holm Keller, executive vice president of Leuphana University and head of the project.

The Honourable Dr Joseph Muscat, prime minister of Malta, added: “The Maltese government fully supports this Knowledge and Innovation Community initiative which is being spearheaded by Leuphana University, having as its local co-ordinating entity the Malta Council for Science and Technology”.

Up to €400m will be provided by the EU for the project beginning in 2014 with an additional €1.2bn made available through complementary financing. With these funds, the consortium aims to build a market with a primary turnover of €210bn over seven years.