How is Europe reacting to the growing impact of science and technology? Member States generally have their own research policies and structures, quite often of a high standard, but on a European level this can lead to repetition, fragmentation and inefficient use of resources (Philippe Busquin, former European Commissioner, 2002).

Implementation of closer cooperation to develop a strategy for cancer research by the European countries would clearly be cost-efficient and hasten the development of major advances and their delivery to the population.

The objective of the EUROCAN+PLUS Project is to elaborate a plan for the coordination of cancer research activities in areas where structuring the European research capacity may have a significant impact on the scientific, technological and societal delivery of benefit for cancer patients and the population as a whole.

The EUROCAN+PLUS Project addresses all research domains including basic science, translational research, clinical science and trials, epidemiology and public health. This will involve the largest consultation undertaken in the EU on the topic of cancer research. Tasks assigned to the Project include:

		definition of existing needs;
		identification of fields and research topics where lack of coordination is particularly detrimental for progress of knowledge and quality of care;
		identification of potential benefits and added value of coordination initiatives;
		establishement of feasibility of potential coordination activities.

Better coordination of cancer research will lead to more rapid transfer of new therapies and new detection technologies to patients, and to improvements in the quality of curative and of supportive care.

The EUROCAN+PLUS Project concerns all public and private stakeholders in cancer research, being either those performing the research or transforming results in technological applications, funding agencies, and patients’ organizations.

The EUROCAN+PLUS Project will contribute to restructuring the European research capacity in cancer, thus contributing to the further development of the European Research Area.