Society and regional strategies 2 min
Animal health and welfare: a new European research partnership to provide societal, economic and political impact
The European Partnership on Animal Health and Welfare (EUPAHW) is by far the most ambitious research and innovation initiative the European Commission has funded to control infectious diseases of animals, and to promote animal welfare.
Published on 22 April 2024
Launched in January 2024 and coordinated by the University of Ghent, its scope goes beyond the animal health and welfare actors to enhance cross sector collaboration and, through a One Health and One Welfare approach, to provide societal impact.
Based on a Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda developed prior to the launch, this partnership focuses on infectious diseases, zoonotic risks and the evaluation and improvement of animal welfare. It concerns all production animals, both terrestrial and aquatic. The partnership focuses on the prudent use of antimicrobials and ensuring that a high level of animal welfare is provided at every stage of an animal’s life.
- 90 partners, including 56 research organisations, 30 funding organisations, EFSA and EMA
- Budget: €360 million over 7 years, 50% by the Horizon Europe Research and Innovation programme / 50% by the partner organisations
- 24 countries: 19 EU Member States and 5 countries associated to Horizon Europe
- A first series of 17 projects involving only EUPAHW partners is underway in 2024
- A first call for projects will be launched in 2024 reaching out to research and development organisations not yet involved in the partnership.
INRAE is one of the principal partners of EUPAHW with 21 research units from its PHASE, GA, MICA and SA research divisions involved and an estimated overall budget of €7 million.
The objectives of the EUPAHW align with the European Green Deal and its associated Farm to Fork strategy for a fair, healthy, and environmentally friendly food system.