A bold initiative for high-risk research
The “Health Impact” program aims to identify and support fundamental or applied research likely to generate major advances in the decades to come. Launched on May 2, 2024, it aims to strengthen the French biomedical research ecosystem by focusing on early detection and financing of innovative projects with high potential.
Four revolutionary projects selected
EvoCure: evolution in the service of immunology
Directed by Enzo Poirier, this project benefits from funding of 3 million euros. It focuses on the study of immune proteins found in various organisms, from bacteria to humans. The objective is to identify new immune proteins in humans, opening the way to innovative treatments.
FoodContact: assessing the impact of food packaging on health
Mathilde Touvier is leading this project, which is worth 3 million euros. It aims to examine the potential effects of more than 12,000 chemical compounds found in food packaging. Based on data from the NutriNet-Santé cohort, FoodContact seeks to quantify these substances and assess their toxicity, particularly their role in chronic diseases.
Nautilus: towards personalized brain medicine
Viktor Jirsa directs this project, financed to the tune of 3 million euros. Nautilus aims to create a personalized digital model of the brains of patients with brain disorders. The objective is to predict their response to electrostimulation treatments, paving the way for tailor-made care for epilepsy, depression or Parkinson’s disease.
Voluntary control of breathing: unraveling the mysteries of the brain
Clément Menuet is leading this fundamental research project, worth 150,000 euros. He is interested in the neurons responsible for the voluntary control of breathing, the only physiological function that humans can consciously control. The work aims to discover new therapeutic targets to treat respiratory and neurological disorders.
A strategic turning point for Inserm
Professor Didier Samuel, President and CEO of Inserm, underlines that the Health Impact program marks a significant development in the Institute’s strategy. By introducing targeted support for high-potential research projects, Inserm is strengthening its role as national coordinator in biomedical research. This approach aims to encourage broader collaboration within the scientific community and to continuously detect promising health projects.
