Increasing the impact of European obesity research in preparation for the European research area: a report on the 2003 European Commission Obesity Workshop.

Leading obesity researchers from across Europe assembled in Aberdeen, Scotland, in January 2003 to consider how to increase the impact of European obesity research. The workshop was funded by the European Commission and hosted by the Rowett Research Institute, Aberdeen. The delegates identified the need to (i) develop a portfolio of studies that integrate genetics and mechanisms through parallel study of humans and animal models and (ii) establish major intervention studies in weight management and early life nutrition. It was recommended that these goals would be best achieved under the umbrella of a virtual European Obesity Research Institute, or Network of Excellence in Obesity Research under Framework Programme 6, that would facilitate harmonization of methodology, manage centralized standardized resources, coordinate training initiatives, workshops and working groups, and increase focus.