STEP

The physiome is the integrated description of the physiology of a species. Integration has become more important because of recent results produced from the genome, molecular biology and evolutionary biology; recent advances in computer technology are now making it feasible.

European research is currently developing the concept of Virtual Physiological Human (VPH) to develop models that will provide an improved description of the human physiome.The VPH relates closely to the Physiome Project (more accurately described as the Physiome Initiative), which is organised under the auspices of the International Union of Physiological Sciences (IUPS).

The VPH activities will run alongside the Physiome Project but will focus on areas in which strong European work currently exists to ensure that it continues to maintain its leading position. The VPH places a heavy emphasis on research that will have a strong impact on the clinical and industrial areas.

STEP produced a roadmap defining the best way forward for European research in this area.To do this, it:

• engaged all interested parties in the discussion in an inclusive manner
• invited recognised experts from around the world to provide informed opinion
• organised two conferences to focus the debate.

For further information, please visit:
http://www.europhysiome.org

Project co-ordinator:
University of Bedfordshire (UK)

Partners:

• University of Bedfordshire (UK)
• Istituti Ortopedici Rizzoli (IT)
• Université Libre de Bruxelles (BE)
• University of Sheffield (UK)
• Aalborg Sygehus (DK)
• University of Oxford (UK)
• University of Nottingham (UK)
• CNRS-IBISC (FR)
• University College London (UK)

Timetable: from 01/06 – to 03/07

Total cost: € 1,240,770

EC funding: € 1,185,360

Instrument: CA

Project Identifier: IST-2004-027642

Source: FP6 eHealth Portfolio of Projects