Relevance of the objectives of the specific programme and/or thematic priority

from the Work Programme “Life Sciences, Genomics and Biotechnology for Health”: ... The sequencing of the human genome and many other genomes heralds a new age in human biology, offering unprecedented opportunities to improve human health and to stimulate industrial and economic activity. In making its contribution to realising these benefits, this theme will focus on integrating post-genomic research, including research on related molecular mechanisms, into the more established biomedical and biotechnological approaches, and will facilitate the integration of research capacities (both public and private) across Europe to increase coherence and achieve critical mass....

The very essence of the ELIfe proposal follows the spirit of the objectives reflected above. The aim of the proposal is to "mobilize and organize key stakeholders, researchers and end-users in the area of Metabolomics and in particular Lipidomics research and to further define this field of research in terms of its participants, scientific contents and strengths". Mobilization of researchers and stakeholders is the first and most critical step in moving the field forward. The Genomics revolution in the mid-nineties owes its success to the joining of forces all across the research community and biotech industry. The government and private industry raised the funds for sequencing the entire human genome and the result is a major leap forward for the life sciences. Proteomics followed neatly in the footsteps of Genomic. With these fields well organised, the time has come to address in a similar coordinated fashion the research directed at the wide range of "other biomolecules". The cell system uses a host of biomolecules other than DNA and proteins. Whereas DNA governs the cell processes and the proteins represent the engines of life so to speak, a range of metabolites are the products of enzymatic reactions, the substrates, but also the messengers, the protective layer encompassing the cell and the source of energy. Mapping all these metabolites, their levels of occurrence and their (medical) relevance is a daunting yet necessary step in moving the life sciences forward. Taking that path would open the era of Metabolomics.

In order for Europe to succeed in the area of Metabolomics research a first essential step is to bring together researchers and other key stakeholders, both from the medical field and from industry, and discuss a strategy for the future. One of the aims of this Priority is to facilitate the integration of research capacities (both public and private) across Europe to increase coherence and achieve critical mass. That is precisely what this proposal aims at. The main outcome of a joining of forces will be a further structuring of research in the life sciences in a multidisciplinary way, such that future projects can be designed swiftly and the appropriate stakeholders brought together whenever opportunities arise. To set attainable goals, we have chosen to focus on one, yet vital, aspect of Metabolomics, namely the area of Lipidomics. Representatives from other areas of Metabolomics (for example Glycomics, P5) are represented in the consortium in order to assure integration between areas.

[Work Programme-LSH] ... This thematic priority emphasises the importance of innovation and the integration of SMEs in order to reach the Lisbon goal..

The European Research Area stands to gain a lot from an organisation of the researchers and stakeholders in the area of Metabolomics and Lipidomics. The Genomics and Proteomics revolution have already inspired a wealth of biotech start-up companies. We believe that the Field of Metabolomics will inspire at least a similar venture activity. Already start-up companies in this area are being founded and funded. P2 and P3 on this proposal are associated with start-up companies, which exploit Lipidomics technology. This proposal contains a solid balance between scientific discussions, which aim to explore the field of Metabolomics and Lipidomics and meetings with health care and industrial stakeholders that will provide opportunities for exchanging ideas and creating strategic alliances.

[Work Programme-LSH].... The strategic objective of this line is to develop improved strategies for the prevention and management – using also advanced technologies for health - of human disease and for living and ageing healthily. The emphasis will be on translational research aimed at bringing basic knowledge through to clinical application....

Many of the partners have a clinical background and some are practicing clinicians next to their research activities. We have invited two renowned clinicians in the area of Metabolic Diseases in the Advisory Board. We believe that a significant impact on human health can be expected from the field of Metabolomics and in particular Lipidomics and that the ELIfe project will create the momentum for close collaboration between basic researchers, clinical researchers and clinicians. The "from bench to bed" philosophy will be the spirit of the Health sessions at our networking meetings.

[LSH-2003-3-6: Realising ERA objectives] Activities contributing to the strategic objectives of the European research area in fields covered by this priority, such as pilot initiatives on benchmarking, cartography, networking, the debate on human values and technology options, or the collective management of the knowledge infrastructures of the future, etc. Activities leading to the creation of European technology platforms bringing together technological know how, industry, regulators and financial institutions to develop a strategic agenda for leading technologies will be particularly supported through this call.

For the performance of structured research with a common goal the joining of forces across a field of research is essential. Implementing the European Lipidomics Initiative as an SSA is a first step in that direction, and addresses the majority of the vision described under the call Realising ERA Objectives. The project balances basic and applied science meetings, where technology and knowledge is shared and networking meetings where strategic alliances are formed with end users, be it industry or clinic. We aim to learn from other Life Sciences initiatives and will invite researchers beyond the direct field of Metabolomics and Lipidomics to our meetings. The outcome of the project will be a well-networked group of researchers with a common strategy for the future.