91998E3400

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3400/98

by Marie-Paule Kestelijn-Sierens (ELDR) to the Commission

(17 November 1998)

Subject: Specific gene research

Can the European Commission promote specific gene research under the European Programme for Research and Development?

Answer given by Mrs Cresson on behalf of the Commission

(8 January 1999)

Under the fourth framework programme (1994-1998) the Commission supported genetics research under numerous specific programmes including Life Sciences and Technologies, International Cooperation, Human Capital, Standards, Information Technology and BRITE-Euram (Industrial and material technologies). The research relates to the genetics of many different living organisms including microbes, plants, farm animals and man. The research aims to enhance frontier biological knowledge, to improve health care and medicine, and to strengthen the scientific and technological bases of Community industry.

This type of research will be strongly enhanced under several thematic programmes of the fifth framework programme but particularly in the key actions and activities of a generic nature of theme 1 relating to quality of life and management of living resources. The objectives of this research will be to meet key socio-economic needs in the areas of health and food, control of infectious diseases, cell factory and sustainable agriculture, fisheries and forestry.

Gene research has also been introduced in the specific part of the framework programme that defines the activities of the Joint research centre. The objective is to assist the European legislative framework. The Institute for health and consumer protection (IHCP) in Ispra is mainly developing analytical methods to contribute to the detection of genetically modified organisms. The Institute for prospective technological studies (IPTS) in Seville analyses the socio-economic impacts of life sciences in general and is in particular involved in the assessment of biotechnology and genetic engineering. IPTS studies focus on the relevance and impacts of genetic engineering and genetically modified organisms on European policy areas. The main areas of interest are health care technologies and genetically modified crops.