The OneHealth project aims to meet a number of key objectives, including the delivery of 12 cross-border research and innovation projects and assistance to 20 SMEs.
A new €9.85m cross-border project aiming to address critical public health challenges was launched in Belfast yesterday (8 December).
The OneHealth project, which was first announced in June, is a health and life sciences partnership that will use AI and digital health approaches to tackle pressing health and agrifood challenges by “recognising the vital connections between human, animal and environmental health”.
The four-year project – which will facilitate cross-border research between Northern Ireland and the border counties of the Republic of Ireland – will be led by science and technology hub Catalyst in partnership with Atlantic Technology University, Queen’s University Belfast, Health Innovation Research Alliance Northern Ireland, Tyndall National Institute Cork and the University of Galway.
Key targets of the project’s timeline include the delivery of 12 cross-border research and innovation projects; the provision of assistance to 20 SMEs in developing new products or processes; the provision of structured mentorship and support to 20 additional SMEs through dedicated accelerator programmes; and production of 20 “significant” joint publications, industry white papers or patents resulting from cross-border collaborations.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke, TD, said OneHealth represents “a significant step forward” in fostering cross-border collaboration, and welcomed the project’s “close alignment” with Ireland’s strategic priorities under the National AI Strategy and the Research and Innovation Strategy.
“By harnessing cutting-edge AI technologies and bringing together expertise from academia, industry and research bodies, this initiative will help address critical health and agrifood challenges while driving economic growth,” he said. “The partnership exemplifies how cooperation between Northern Ireland and the border counties can deliver real benefits for our people, our environment and our shared future.”
The OneHealth project is supported by PeacePlus, a €1.14bn programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) that is designed to support peace and prosperity across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.
The programme – which is co-funded by the EU, the UK government, the Irish Government and the Northern Ireland Executive – is divided into six themes in order to address social and economic challenges experienced by communities in the area.
“OneHealth reflects the vision we share for a healthier, more resilient, and more prosperous future for the citizens of Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland,” said Gina McIntyre, CEO of SEUPB. “This innovative cross-border research project sets out to harness the power of innovation and strengthen the ties that bind communities, researchers and enterprises across the island of Ireland.”
McIntyre said that the collaborative project comes at “a critical time”.
“We are living in a world that is more connected but also more vulnerable to climate change, emerging diseases, economic shocks and societal divisions. Economic development in any post-conflict region is essential for building and sustaining peace.
“OneHealth is a demonstration of how targeted investment in this area supporting innovation can deliver tangible benefits for health, the environment and the economy.”
Earlier this year, the Irish Government announced €16m in funding for four cross-border research collaborations between higher education institutions across the island of Ireland.
The projects included a new research hub for Parkinson’s disease, coordinated cybersecurity solutions, and an art and design initiative to boost community involvement in transformative research.
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