All News


Reform of clinical trials directive must be future-proof

Europe’s attempt to unify rules on clinical trials in the 2001 Directive is widely acknowledged to be a disaster. After years of debate, the Commission’s proposals for reform are getting a favourable reception, but it is critical the new regulation takes account of emerging technologies
20 Feb 2013

Energy efficiency and human behaviour

Are buildings that consume less energy really more energy efficient as a result? Researcher Scott Kelly from the University of Cambridge explains how predicting energy efficiency is easier said than done, especially once human behaviour becomes part of the calculation.
20 Feb 2013

Single patent takes another step forward

Ministers from 24 countries signed the agreement establishing a single court to deal with patent disputes. It’s an important advance for the Single Patent – but now for the hard part - securing national ratification in time for the first patent to be granted in April 2014
19 Feb 2013

Europe needs smarter data – and smarter data protection

Third generation cognitive computing is making sense of data mountains and starting to deliver remarkable improvements in healthcare. Now, sensitively calibrated data protection rules are needed – to reassure patients and protect privacy, whilst allowing progress to continue
13 Feb 2013

EU regulation proves its worth in driving innovation

It’s a virtuous circle: New approval processes put in place by the European Medicines Agency are de-risking drug development, promoting investment in early-stage biotech and meeting unmet medical needs, says Paul Morton
06 Feb 2013