This news release is available in French .
The French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) is currently the leading biomedical research organisation in Europe, and plays a key role in developing European research. To mark its 50th anniversary, Inserm wanted to assess the perceptions of Europeans regarding biomedical research.
To create this European panorama, Ipsos carried out an Internet survey of over 4,000 Europeans (with 1,001 French, 1,004 German, 1,001 Italians and 1,005 British respondents) from 10 to 23 January 2014. Representative samples were obtained from each country involved using quota sampling.
According to results, health is still the area of research news that interests the greatest number of Europeans. This survey confirms the genuine confidence of Europeans regarding biomedical research and its players, at a time of moroseness and cynicism. Although they are aware that they do not understand all of its ramifications, they see it as a source of hope for themselves and their children, as well as a source of pride for their country.
The most memorable medical innovations for Europeans in the last 50 years have been organ transplants, medical imaging, and gene therapies.
Health, a theme of major interest for Europeans
Biomedical research is above all a synonym for hope
A high degree of confidence in researchers
A limited level of information and knowledge, but a questioning attitude nonetheless
The United States model, and development of European research funding
Organ transplants, medical imaging and gene therapy considered the most important medical innovations in the last 50 years