*1. Between claims and reality in Europe1.1 ClaimsTo make the EU the most dynamic and competitive knowledge-based economy by 2010 (Lisbon Strategy, 2000)Research and development policy is one of the EU priorities to boost employment and growth and to maintain its social model Increasing Healthy Life Years is vital Well-designed social and environmental policies are themselves key elements in strengthening Europe's economic performance (European Parliament, 2005) Information, research and evaluation are key elements of an overall EU drug policy (EU Drugs Strategy, 2005-2012)Better understanding of the drug problem and the development of an optimal responseImproving the understanding of the drug problem through more and better coordinated research (EU Council, 2008)

*1. Between claims and reality in Europe1.2 Reality I: Drug use in EuropeDrug use (DU; past month)12 million cannabis users (3.6%)1.5 million opioid users (0.4%)1.5 million cocaine users (0.4%)Drug-related infectious diseases40% of IDUs are Hepatitis C infected Drug-induced deathsbetween 6,500 and 8,500 (minimum estimate!)Treatment demand360,000 cases in various types of careDrug-related public expenditureEUR 34 billion0.3% of combined GDP of all EU Member States

*1. Between claims and reality in Europe1.3 Reality II: Low prominence of European DU research Author affiliation 2004-2007 in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence(pp: population size)2pp: 53%pp: 38%pp: 4%pp: 6%11 Germany, Italy, Netherlands, UK,2 Ritter, 2008, pers. com.; modified

*1. Between claims and reality in Europe 1.4 Reality III: Stakeholders for DU research and monitoring MS 1MS 27MS 2Drugs prevention and information programme (2007 2013)Second Programme of Community action in the field of health (2008 2013)Framework 7 Progr. (2007 2013), Health as major themeEMCDDAMonitoring DU and European responsesDG JLSDG SancoDG RTDComplimentary role (added value)MS 26

Responsible for research, transfer and health/ social service for DUDifferences in problem situation indicators problem views research structures research priorities funding structures research programmes research budgets research utilisation publication languages access to research outcome

*1. Between claims and reality in Europe 1.5 The core questions

Will the current structure, with the given complex system of interests and responsibilities, lead Europe to the top of DU related research in the world?

Will the current structure guarantee research activities to provide the knowledge base needed for a fully informed and evidence based drug policy all over Europe?

*2. Needs for Europe: research activities and research management2.1 Research

QuestionsTime/AgeReduction /CessationVulnerability- and risk factors (examples)Reduction/ cessation Patient factors Social context factors Treatment factorsAcute risk factors Person factors Family conditions Social environment Cultural factorsEarly vulnerability Genetic factors Personality factors Childhood traumaWhy do some DU stop without formal interventions, others not?What is the role of social context factors?Why do some people abstain after treatment, others not?Why do some people start DU and others not?Why do some people stop after experimental use and others not?Why do MS differ in DU incidence and prevalence?

*2. Needs for Europe: research activities and research management 2.1 Research (continued)

TargetsResearch areas To reduce rates of onset and progression To delay age of onset and progression To early detect and terminate DU To reduce negative individual and social consequencesDisciplines Range of natural and social sciences Need for interdiscplinarity

Understanding drug useDemand reductionSupply reductionPolicy analysisBasic researchEpide-miology Preven-tionTreat-mentDrug supplyInterdic-tionPolicyLegal Frame works

*2. Needs for Europe: research activities and research management2.2 Research managementAn effective management of DU related research in Europe has to be based on:

Monitoring of DU indicators and related vulnerability and risk factors Regular analysis of DU problems and related research needs Priorisation of research activities Funding programmes and structures Research outcome analysis and evaluation Transfer into practice (implementation and evaluation) Fast feedback to all system components: adaptive learning system

Financial resources Scientific and management resources for planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation

Need for a more structured process to prioritize, monitor and analyse research activities and research outcome between MS, EC and scientific community?

*3. Deficits3.1 Research fieldsTopics for improvementUnderstanding drug use: risk and protective factors, mechanisms of action, long-term studies on onset and course of DUDemand reduction: preventionSupply reduction: law enforcement evaluationPolicy analysis: effects and efficiency of public policiesGeneral: Cooperation of medical and social sciences

Source: e.g., EMCDDA Selected Issues on Research, 2008; EC, 2007*

*3. Deficits3.2 Research infrastructureTopics for improvementQualified research staff(Interdisciplinary) research networks in MSEuropean research networksSustained funding of networksEuropean scientific communityEuropean research organisationsInvolvement of the scientific community in the analysis of research needs

Source: e.g., EMCDDA Selected Issues on Research, 2008; EC, 2007*

*Topics for improvementLinkage of drug action plans and research planningCoordinated research prioritisation between public authorities and scientific community in MSSystematic analysis of research outcome, in order to adapt drug policy and future research needsLinkage of research outcome and MS drug policy and vice versaCoordination of MS and EC research programmesLack of continuity of fundingResearch funding beyond epidemiology and monitoring (some new MS)

Source: e.g., EMCDDA Selected Issues on Research, 2008; EC, 2007*3. Deficits3.3 Research management

*4. A 2020 vision for Europe to take the lead in DU related research*Yes, we can! (and want?)A commitment of MS, EC and scientific community for a comprehensive research initiativeWho cares for what?An agreement of MS and EC on DU problem analyses, targets, research priorities and budgetsCoordinated research funding programmes at MS and EC levelSpecialists to the frontA process of constant analysis and adaption of research needs/priorities based on research outcome analyses and evaluations of new challengesScientists of Europe, unite! A European research society and European scientific communityMoney makes the world go round!Financial resourcesFor research fundingFor research capacity buildingFor research outcome transfer and evaluation