France as highlight country at SNMMI AM 2022 [fr]
This year, France was invited as "highlight country" for the 2022 Vancouver edition of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, formerly the Society of Nuclear Medicine, is a nonprofit scientific and professional organization that promotes the science, technology and practical application of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging.
As France was the highlight country, a delegation from France made the trip to Vancouver, led by Professor Pierre-Yves Salaun, President of the Société Française de Médecine Nucléaire (SFMN), a visit made possible by the Embassy of France’s scientific service based at the Consulate General of France in Vancouver.
The presence of several researchers from France along with companies, allowed to shed a light on the country’s expertise on the international scene.
International collaborations are essential to advance scientific research and technological developments y in this very complex and technical discipline that is nuclear medicine and molecular imaging.
The French nuclear medicine expertise
There is a long history of research on nuclear medicine in France and the names and work of Pierre and Marie Curie are of course key elements of this history. The Fondation Curie was created in Paris, some 100 years ago in 1920, and is now one of the leading institution worldwide for research and treatment against cancer with more than 3 300 scientists, doctors, nurses working there.
Prof Salaun reminded the audience that there are 230 research centers in the hexagone today, 31 cyclotrons for the production of medical isotopes and more than 2500 practitioners and health care professionals providing care with the latest highest tech in the sector.
In France only, an estimated 382,000 new cases of cancer are diagnosed each year, more than one million people are affected by neurodegenerative diseases and even more by cardiovascular diseases.
French government actions to support nuclear medecine
The French government aims at building on our dynamic healthtech ecosystem to develop new therapies and digital medical devices. As a result 7,5 Bn€ have been allocated for the healthcare sector under “France 2030” strategic investment plan, including 2,3 Bn€ to help for instance design and produce 20 biopharmaceuticals against cancer and chronic illness. That means more funding for research projects and a huge potential for collaboration including in the field of nuclear medicine.
