Fostering Outermost regions Capabilities in Research and Innovation and Upgrading Skills complying with 4R principles

The EU outermost regions (ORs) face unique challenges and opportunities in the biomedical sector due to their geographical remoteness, insularity, and specific socio-economic conditions. Despite significant R&I initiatives in the past years, which hold great potential to address the health challenges faced by these ORs, the creation of new businesses and jobs remains low. In addition, the lack of specialized biomedical researchers and innovators hampers the ability of ORs to conduct cutting-edge research. FOCUS-4R aims to enhance the R&I capacities of the ORs, helping them to gain autonomy, competitiveness, and attractiveness in the biomedical field. The FOCUS-4R project brings together 3 emblematic ORs (Reunion Island, Canary Islands and Madeira) to leverage the expertise they have developed over recent years to create growth opportunities and increase the excellence of their institutions. Bringing together an intersectoral and interdisciplinary network of 6 academic institutions and 5 non-academic partners from 4 Widening regions and 4 Advanced countries, the project will offer cross-sectoral training and talent mobility through secondments and workshops. FOCUS-4R aims to develop a relevant path to assess therapeutic effects of molecules rapidly and at a low cost without ignoring the ethical issues by focusing on identified techniques that meet the principles of 4R (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement and Responsibility). Through training and mentoring from advanced partners, FOCUS-4R will develop transferable skills essential to meet the industrial and market needs and enhance entrepreneurship in the ORs. By providing training, lifelong learning opportunities and by consolidating knowledge transfer, FOCUS-4R will contribute to bridge the gap between ORs and advanced regions, developing long-lasting collaborations, creating new employment and career opportunities and leading to the creation of a sustainable R&I ecosystem fostering Excellence and Innovation.