ACHILLES is a Doctoral Network (DN) program designed to train the next generation of leaders in hemato-oncology, with a focus on the development of novel therapeutic solutions for hematological malignancies. The network brings together 14 institutions from 10 EU countries and one… Read more associated state, along with partners from the biotechnology and drug discovery sectors, including two European policy leaders in hematology, the European Hematology Association (EHA) and the European School of Hematology (ESH). Through this collaboration, ACHILLES will train 16 Doctoral Candidates (DCs) to develop essential skills in experimental hemato-oncology, including the design, development, and preclinical validation of innovative therapies. ACHILLES is structured around three key scientific objectives (SOs): (1) creating novel experimental models and analytical methods, (2) exploring the oncogenic mechanisms of hematologic malignancies, and (3) developing and validating new therapies, especially targeted treatments for leukemia and lymphoma. The program will integrate cutting-edge technologies such as AI, multi-omics, and computational modeling to push the boundaries of current research and therapy development. These innovations will be applied to generate better diagnostic tools, predict treatment responses, and optimize therapeutic strategies. With a patient-centered approach, ACHILLES aims to foster both academic and industrial collaboration, bridging gaps between scientific research and clinical application. This initiative aligns with the EU's Beating Cancer Plan, with a particular focus on improving survival rates and treatment accessibility, especially in Widening Countries. Through strong academic-industrial partnerships, ACHILLES will help create a sustainable impact on the field of hemato-oncology, advancing research, therapies, and ultimately the health outcomes of leukemia and lymphoma patients worldwide.

Nodular thyroid disease affects approximately 68% of the population, predominantly women, with up to 35% of nodules hiding thyroid tumors, where papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most frequent in young adults. The identification of these cases is based on… Read more ultrasound (US) and cytological evaluation by fine needle aspiration (FNA), but still presents gray areas of diagnostic uncertainty. In this context, the category of non-invasive follicular tumors with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP), recently introduced as a less aggressive alternative to PTC, imposes an important update of our diagnostic schemes. Previous experiences had already tried to identify characteristics capable of distinguishing NIFTP from PTC, with the aim of improving the surgical management of these cases to avoid diagnostic thyroidectomies ("thyroid carnage"), but this has not yet significantly contributed to the routine histopathological diagnostics. The introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and computational pathology (CP) has recently demonstrated the ability to discriminate NIFTP from benign nuclei and PTC on histology (NUTSHELL: NUclei from Thyroid tumors Segmentation to Highlight Encapsulated Low-malignant Lesions) , enabling the definition of human interpretable features (HIF) and the development of a classification system to assist the pathologist on whole slide images (WSI) after surgery. The aim of the CLARIFAI project is to improve pre-surgical FNA classification of thyroid lesions through a nuclear classifier and HIF introduced with AI and digital pathology. To achieve this goal, the next steps are to apply this computational tool on preoperative thyroid cytology samples to aid pathologists in distinguishing NIFTP cases from PTC cases. For this two different approaches will be adopted: - extension of the capabilities of the already consolidated histology-based classifier NUTSHELL on cytological samples; - application of multiple instance learning (MIL) on labeled cytology samples

Research and innovation (R&I) in Ukraine has seen challenging times since the break-up of the Soviet Union, most recently facing major damage to R&I infrastructure due to the Russian aggression. However, as the country obtained EU candidate status and started the… Read more EU negotiations in July 2024, the ambition to promote its research system and ensure its integration into the European Research Area has received a new impetus. The RIFF project will facilitate an upgrade of R&I system in Ukraine by offering a fresh and forward-looking perspective on the Ukrainian research infrastructures RIs). RIFF will deliver “Roadmap for Recovery and Enhancement of RIs in Ukraine” using both (1) bottom-up approach with an open call for proposals, robust training, awareness raising and dissemination strategy towards potential applicants, rooted in a network of eight partners in Ukraine; and (2) top-down approach with a robust consultation process involving a broad range of stakeholders from the government, policymakers and the scientific community. It will reflect also the green and digital transition priorities. The roadmapping process will apply peer-review methodology established by ESFRI and engage panels of internationally renowned experts. RIFF activities will efficiently connect Ukrainian RIs to EU/ESFRI through the implementation team linked to major European RIs and a comprehensive strategy for enabling mobility and knowledge exchange between EU RIs and the Ukrainian scientific community, including training programme for Ukrainian RI managers, operators and policymakers. Finally, we will implement an ambitious promotion programme among national and international stakeholders. The robust roadmapping approach of RIFF, assisted by leading international experts, will offer credible steps towards recovery and enhancement of RIs in Ukraine. The Roadmap will provide guidance for national funding of RIs, and will also be a trustworthy investment guideline to international donors.

RM Framework endeavors to strongly enhance research management within the ERA and beyond by fostering clarity, interoperability, and sustainability in the diverse RM landscape. This ambitious initiative aims to engage diverse stakeholders by establishing a common frame of reference for RM by… Read more involving national clusters, training providers, funding agencies, ministries and other RM actors and networks. The project looks to tailor training approaches to meet the varied needs of research managers across Europe by utilising extensive networks to gather diverse perspectives and insights to tailor training approaches to offer comprehensive training, from general European-level programs to specialised initiatives. The project will explore various training methods, including community-based, informal, and formal university alliances. This will all be achieved whilst also acknowledging national and local differences by bringing together pilot testers from 9 countries (ensuring inclusivity and relevance), incorporating leadership perspectives to align RM practices with organisational goals & policy frameworks, and the policymakers to ensure policy synergies and effective implementation. By learning from past challenges and leveraging the expertise of diverse stakeholders, the RM Framework project aims to avoid previous pitfalls and achieve sustainable impact. With a strong consortium and a 24-month timeline, the project is poised to deliver tangible results in the rapidly evolving landscape of research assessment, open science, and AI integration. Moreover, by developing a quality label and fostering collaboration with existing networks, the project seeks to ensure long-term relevance and sustainability beyond its duration. Ultimately, the RM Framework project represents a critical step towards enhancing the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of research management practices across Europe and beyond.

Chemotherapy can involve lengthy treatment sessions, lasting up to several hours. Such a duration, spent in an overly medicalized setting, can induce in the patients a monopolizing focus on their pathology, which leads to a substantial decrease in their mental well-being. One way… Read more to alleviate the impact of long chemotherapy sessions would be accelerating subjective time passage as perceived by the patients, therefore making the treatment seemingly end more quickly. Stemming from the ERC Advanced Grant AN-ICON, the TIMELAPSE project proposes to prototype, test, and launch on the market a virtual reality (VR) application that will accelerate subjective time passage during chemotherapy. The idea, whose singular aspects were the object of previous scientific evidence, was so far not implemented comprehensively. TIMELAPSE will fill this R&D gap with unprecedented methods and targets, adopting a patient-centred approach to innovatively incorporate in the conception of the VR application the irreplaceable perspective of its end-users: the oncologic patients. TIMELAPSE will take this idea to proof of concept by means of five subsequent phases: 1. Theoretical elaboration, to shape a theoretical hypothesis concerning what types of VR content might accelerate subjective time passage during chemotherapy; 2. Participatory design, to refine this hypothesis by incorporating the users’ perspective; 3. Production, to develop the content for the VR application, to obtain a prototype ready to be tested. 4. Assessment, to demonstrate the tolerability and effectiveness of the VR application; and 5. Pre-commercialization, to prepare the launch of the VR application on the market. To ensure appropriate methodological tools for each phase, TIMELAPSE will rely on a collaboration between three actors: a core research group (part of the AN-ICON team); an industrial partner expert in VR applications; and a clinical partner with substantial expertise in cancer treatment.Chemotherapy can involve lengthy treatment sessions, lasting up to several hours. Such a duration, spent in an overly medicalized setting, can induce in the patients a monopolizing focus on their pathology, which leads to a substantial decrease in their mental well-being. One way to alleviate the impact of long chemotherapy sessions would be accelerating subjective time passage as perceived by the patients, therefore making the treatment seemingly end more quickly. Stemming from the ERC Advanced Grant AN-ICON, the TIMELAPSE project proposes to prototype, test, and launch on the market a virtual reality (VR) application that will accelerate subjective time passage during chemotherapy. The idea, whose singular aspects were the object of previous scientific evidence, was so far not implemented comprehensively. TIMELAPSE will fill this R&D gap with unprecedented methods and targets, adopting a patient-centred approach to innovatively incorporate in the conception of the VR application the irreplaceable perspective of its end-users: the oncologic patients. TIMELAPSE will take this idea to proof of concept by means of five subsequent phases: 1. Theoretical elaboration, to shape a theoretical hypothesis concerning what types of VR content might accelerate subjective time passage during chemotherapy; 2. Participatory design, to refine this hypothesis by incorporating the users’ perspective; 3. Production, to develop the content for the VR application, to obtain a prototype ready to be tested. 4. Assessment, to demonstrate the tolerability and effectiveness of the VR application; and 5. Pre-commercialization, to prepare the launch of the VR application on the market. To ensure appropriate methodological tools for each phase, TIMELAPSE will rely on a collaboration between three actors: a core research group (part of the AN-ICON team); an industrial partner expert in VR applications; and a clinical partner with substantial expertise in cancer treatment.Chemotherapy can involve lengthy treatment sessions, lasting up to several hours. Such a duration, spent in an overly medicalized setting, can induce in the patients a monopolizing focus on their pathology, which leads to a substantial decrease in their mental well-being. One way to alleviate the impact of long chemotherapy sessions would be accelerating subjective time passage as perceived by the patients, therefore making the treatment seemingly end more quickly. Stemming from the ERC Advanced Grant AN-ICON, the TIMELAPSE project proposes to prototype, test, and launch on the market a virtual reality (VR) application that will accelerate subjective time passage during chemotherapy. The idea, whose singular aspects were the object of previous scientific evidence, was so far not implemented comprehensively. TIMELAPSE will fill this R&D gap with unprecedented methods and targets, adopting a patient-centred approach to innovatively incorporate in the conception of the VR application the irreplaceable perspective of its end-users: the oncologic patients. TIMELAPSE will take this idea to proof of concept by means of five subsequent phases: 1. Theoretical elaboration, to shape a theoretical hypothesis concerning what types of VR content might accelerate subjective time passage during chemotherapy; 2. Participatory design, to refine this hypothesis by incorporating the users’ perspective; 3. Production, to develop the content for the VR application, to obtain a prototype ready to be tested. 4. Assessment, to demonstrate the tolerability and effectiveness of the VR application; and 5. Pre-commercialization, to prepare the launch of the VR application on the market. To ensure appropriate methodological tools for each phase, TIMELAPSE will rely on a collaboration between three actors: a core research group (part of the AN-ICON team); an industrial partner expert in VR applications; and a clinical partner with substantial expertise in cancer treatment.

Since its creation, the Biobanking and BioMolecular resources Research Infrastructure - European Research Infrastructure Consortium (BBMRI-ERIC) has made a remarkable contribution to European and international cutting-edge research, as one of the largest RI for health research and in life sciences in Europe.… Read more 2023 marking its 10-year anniversary, BBMRI-ERIC is facing a unique moment to look into the long-term future and to develop its strategy for the next decade to ensure long-term sustainability. The EvolveBBMRI project aims to further develop BBMRI-ERIC for the benefit of its scientific communities and users, increase its capacity to serve EU policy priorities and further deepen its collaboration with industry. The project is structured in four thematic pillars: 1) Acceleration of datafication of biobanks and biomolecular resources to enable reproducible advanced medical research in support of EU health priorities ; 2) Teaming with industry towards greener biobanking; 3) Long-term sustainability measures for BBMRI addressing also RI landscape gaps; and 4) Strengthened approach for career paths, training and outreach activities to maximise impact. The project will ensure the implementation of specific results on 6 key target groups: a) Scientific community (Universities, Hospitals, Research Institutes); b) BBMRI-ERIC National Nodes, Biobanks in Europe and beyond; c) Industry and private foundations; d) Policy- and decision-makers at national and European levels; e) European and International networks and f) Donors, Patients and Citizens. EvolveBBMRI activities and outputs within its four Pillars will increase the long-term sustainability of BBMRI-ERIC and will thus contribute to a better structured and strengthened European research infrastructure landscape. Ultimately, the project will contribute to increase the scientific excellence to better tackle scientific and societal challenges and to expand and secure global competitiveness of the European Research Area

In line with the current guidelines for Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) chemicals and materials, INTEGRANO proposes a general assessment approach based on quantitative evidence to be applied in practice for specific Nano Materials (NMs) design cases referred… Read more to inorganic, organic and carbon NMs. The development NMs dedicated novel impact categories (ICs) for nano-toxicity and eco-nanotoxicity assessment will enable the integrated application of standardised assessment methodologies. The following four NMs Life Cycle Stages (LCS) are addressed: synthesis, incorporation, use phase and end-of-life. The application of the stage-gate SSbD process through the LCS addresses performance in the five dimensions (5D s): Safety, Environmental, Economic, Social and Functional. Generation of dedicated response functions will allow associating Key Decision Factors (KDFs, such as: concentrations, processing parameters, etc.) to Key Performance Indicators (KPIs, such as: occupational safety, CO2 emissions, job creation potential, NM cost, antibacterial functionality, etc.). SSbD NMs solutions will be obtained by Multi Objective Optimisation Design (MOOD) dedicated algorithm. A dedicated digital Decision Support Toolbox (DST) will elaborate design case specific data and run MOOD algorithm to sort the set of multi-optimal SSbD options, which are simultaneously complying with all the targeted KPIs referred to the 5Ds. The digital supported decision process will help scientists, material engineers, Nano-Enabled Products (NEPs) designers, policymakers and decision-makers to takle the SSbD challenge, allowing for dramatic reduction of Research & Development (RTD) and approval leadtime as well as minimising costs and increasing the transparency of the data, by making the industrial uptake of nanotechnologies more sustainable and viable. INTEGRANO allows the integration with other existing SSbD frameworks by transposing results into other scoring metrics and enabling data exchange.