Join EIBIR for 8 insightful sessions at the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) 2025, running from February 26 to March 2!

What to expect:

–  All EIBIR project-related sessions and ECR sessions are open access! Simply log in via ESR Connect with your ESR MyUserArea credentials or create a free account to join. The ECR2025 programme is now available on ESR Connect.

–  Drop by EIBIR’s booth on Level 1 anytime for engaging discussions, the latest updates on our projects, and information on exciting funding opportunities in imaging research.

List of project-related sessions:

Artificial intelligence (AI) for health imaging: transforming cancer diagnosis and analysis with advanced image repositories. The following EIBIR projects will hold a presentation: CHAIMELEON, EuCanImage, EUCAIM. Wednesday, February 26, 2025 / 16:30 – 17:30. 

Lighting the way: pioneering photonics research in medical imaging technologies. The following EIBIR project will hold a presentation: HyperProbe and Med-IPUT. Thursday, February 27, 2025/10:00-11:00.

Recent developments in lung cancer screening (LCS) in Europe (SOLACE project). Thursday, February 27, 2025/14:00-15:30.

The EUCAIM project: building an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven future for cancer diagnostics. Thursday, February 27, 2025/16:00-17:30.

Seeds of innovation: ESR Research Seed Grant projects foster progress in contrast-enhanced imaging and cancer surveillance. Saturday, March 1, 2025/08:00-09:00

EIBIR: Ask me anything about how we can improve sustainability in radiology through European joint research (a discussion with stakeholders). Saturday, March 1, 2025/08:00-09:00.

Working in partnership towards highest quality and safety in imaging: implementing the SAMIRA Action Plan of the European Commission. The following EIBIR projects will hold a presentation: MARLIN, CLAUD-IT. Saturday, March 1, 2025/14:00-15:30.

Intelligence at work: harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) for clinical decision-making. The following EIBIR projects will hold a presentation: AI-POD, ODELIA, and RadioVal. Saturday, March 1, 2025/16:00-17:30

We are looking forward to connecting with you at ECR 2025 – see you there!

EIBIR would like to to bring to your attention that the European Innovation Council (EIC) has announced the release of the work programme for 2025. The EIC was established to identify, develop and scale up breakthrough technologies and companies, which are critical for EU policies to achieve the green and digital transition and help ensure future open strategic autonomy in critical technologies.

The funding and support available in 2025 is organised into three main funding schemes:

1. The EIC Pathfinder for advanced research to develop the scientific basis to underpin breakthrough technologies

2. The EIC Transition to validate technologies and develop business plans for specific applications

3. The EIC Accelerator to support companies (SMEs, start-ups, spin-offs and in some cases small mid-caps) to bring their innovations to market and scale them up

Key topics of interest:

1. Pathfinder Challenge: “Generative-AI based Agents to Revolutionize Medical Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer” (p. 37)
   This topic is particularly relevant as it encourages proposers to leverage the data and tools available in the Cancer Image Europe platform, deployed under the European Cancer Imaging Initiative.
2. Accelerator Challenge: “GenAI4EU: Creating European Champions in Generative AI” (p. 86)
   This challenge targets sectors, including radiology, as a priority for creating European leaders in Generative AI.

You can access the full EIC Work Programme here: EIC funding opportunities 2025
Direct link to the Work Programme text: Work Programme Text (PDF)

Info Days on 5 – 6 November

The EIC will hold online information days for prospective applicants, with a general session on 5 November covering the 2025 work programme and a specific accelerator session on 6 November for the accelerator challenges. These events will offer guidance on application criteria and programme objectives.

General info day on the EIC Work Programme 2025
Date: November 5, 2024 (09:30-16:45 CET)
Info day registration and further details

Specific info day for the Accelerator Challenges
Date: November 6, 2024 (09:00-13:15 CET)
Accelerator info day registration and details

We encourage all interested stakeholders to explore these opportunities and stay engaged with EIBIR to work on these proposals!

The European Society of Radiology (ESR) and the European Institute for Biomedical Imaging Research (EIBIR) are pleased to announce an enlightening webinar titled “ESR/EIBIR Webinar Series: Advancements in Cancer Imaging: Data Repositories for AI Evolution in Cancer Diagnosis and Precision Medicine.” This event is set to take place on 12 December 2024 and will explore the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in cancer diagnosis and precision medicine, featuring insights from the projects CHAIMELEON, EuCanImage, and EUCAIM.

General Description and Objectives

As healthcare technology continues to evolve, it is crucial for radiologists, medical IT specialists, and oncologists to stay updated on the latest advancements. This webinar aims to empower participants with the knowledge necessary to leverage AI in their clinical practice effectively.

Key Topics Covered:

Latest Technological Developments: Discover how to incorporate cutting-edge AI advancements into daily practice.

Adaptation of AI Tools: Learn how to effectively use AI tools to support decision-making processes in oncology.

Data Anonymisation and Protection: Understand the vital importance of safeguarding data within large image repositories.

Innovation in Diagnostic Tools: Explore how pan-European image repositories, specifically those developed under the projects CHAIMELEON, EuCanImage, and EUCAIM, contribute to the development of new tools for improved and earlier cancer diagnosis.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:Comprehend the evolving landscape of AI support tools in healthcare.

Navigate and utilise the image repositories of CHAIMELEON, EuCanImage, and EUCAIM.

Keep abreast of further developments in pan-European image repositories and leverage achievements from CHAIMELEON and EuCanImage via EUCAIM.

Engage in data annotation efforts to support the continued advancement of AI in medicine.

Who Should Attend?

This CME accredited webinar is highly recommended for radiologists, oncologists, and medical IT professionals who are keen to enhance their skills and adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of AI in healthcare.

Event Details:

Date: 12 December 2024, 10:00 – 11:30 (CET)
Location: Online, cleck here to register

For additional information and updates, please visit the European Society of Radiology website or the EIBIR website.

The draft texts of IHI calls 9 and 10 are now available on the Future Opportunities page of the IHI website. Both calls are scheduled for launch in early 2025, but drafts for Calls 9 and 10 have been made available online now to give applicants additional time to prepare a strong proposal and join or build a winning consortium.

Call 9: Single-Stage, Applicant-Driven Call

Call 9 is a single-stage, applicant-driven initiative aligned with the Strategic Research & Innovation Agenda (SRIA). Potential applicants are encouraged to review the draft text for Call 9, which is now available online, to begin developing their proposals.

For those interested in Call 9, there are multiple opportunities for networking and collaboration. Registration is currently open for both the online brokerage platform and a face-to-face brokerage event taking place on 12-13 November in Brussels. These platforms will facilitate the formation of consortia, and individuals with project ideas are invited to share their concepts either online or through a pitch at the in-person event. To be considered for a pitch, applicants must upload their proposal to the brokerage platform and submit their slides by 28 October.

An information webinar was held on 10 October, providing more details on Call 9 and explaining how to use the brokerage platform and event.

Call 10: Focus on Digital Innovation and Healthcare

The draft topic texts for Call 10 outline key areas of focus, including:

Digital label: A single source of comprehensive information for medical technology products.

Safeguarding innovation in the secondary use of health data within the European Health Data Space (EHDS).

Per- and Poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): Addressing exposure, emissions, and end-of-life management in the healthcare sector.

These draft topics are intended to guide applicants in preparing their proposals, with more detailed information available online.

Useful Resources

News article

Webinar recording

Brokerage event information

Brokerage platform

The early release of these draft texts and networking opportunities demonstrates a commitment to supporting innovative solutions in healthcare and beyond. Applicants are encouraged to take advantage of the available resources and begin their preparations.

EIBIR is excited to announce the publication of the “Impact of AI on Radiology: A EuroAIM/EuSoMII 2024 Survey among Members of the European Society of Radiology.” This paper, a collaborative effort between EuroAIM and the European Society of Medical Imaging Informatics (EuSoMII), offers key insights into the role of artificial intelligence in transforming the field of radiology.

💡 This paper offers valuable insights into the evolving role of AI in radiology, its impact on clinical practice, and future expectations from healthcare professionals.

We are proud to support this valuable contribution to the ongoing dialogue on AI in medical imaging.

Read the full paper here.

A major prospective, multicenter study titled DETECT – HCC CSPH Sarcopenia is launching to improve surveillance and prognosis in liver cirrhosis patients. The study will involve 600 participants and aims to compare the effectiveness of abbreviated MRI versus ultrasound in detecting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Additionally, the study will investigate the relevance of muscle health (sarcopenia) in patient prognosis and its relationship with clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH). The findings could lead to improved surveillance methods and better patient outcomes in cirrhosis management.

For more information, please contact the Prospective Cirrhosis Study: DETECT – HCC CSPH Sarcopenia team at Linköping University via email at: mattias.ekstedt@liu.se

Vienna, 01.10.2024 — The CLAUD-IT project, a pioneering 36-month initiative co-funded by the European Union under the EU4Health Programme 2021–2027, has officially launched. Running from September 2024 to August 2027, this project aims to spread the usage of clinical audit in radiology and nuclear medicine in EU Member States, implementing the agenda for medical applications of ionising radiation, as outlined in the SAMIRA action plan. By organizing clinical audit campaigns, CLAUD-IT will improve the quality and safety of radiology and nuclear medicine across the EU. The project brings together 14 partners from 10 countries, demonstrating a collaborative effort to enhance patient care and safety.

Clinical audits are recognized as a critical component in improving medical imaging quality and safety, and they are legally mandated by the European Basic Safety Standards Directive, 2013/59/Euratom. Despite this requirement, clinical audits remain under-implemented in many EU Member States. CLAUD-IT aims to address this gap by improving clinical audit practices and promoting their implementation in radiology and nuclear medicine.

Professor Roman Kloeckner, the project’s scientific coordinator for the radiology section, emphasized the significance of this initiative: “CLAUD-IT represents a crucial step forward in ensuring that clinical audits are not just a regulatory requirement but an integral part of medical practice in radiology and nuclear medicine. By standardizing and promoting clinical audit practices, we can significantly enhance the quality and safety of patient care across Europe.”

The project will build on the successes of the QuADRANT and EU-JUST-CT projects and utilize resources developed by the European Society of Radiology (ESR) and the European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM). An Implementation Board will be established, comprising national implementation teams from the participating countries. This Board, which will include representatives from national radiology and nuclear medicine societies and relevant authorities, will oversee the planning and support of clinical audit campaigns, ensuring that these audits become a core element of the healthcare system.

Professor Laura Evangelista, the project’s scientific coordinator for the nuclear medicine section, stated: “The interdisciplinary and collaborative approach of CLAUD-IT is key to its success. By developing updated guidelines and training programmes, and by piloting audit campaigns in nine EU Member States, we are setting the foundation for widespread adoption of clinical audits. This will ultimately lead to improved patient outcomes and higher standards of care.”

Clinical audits in radiology will be guided by ESPERANTO, the ESR’s guide to clinical audit in radiology, with a new 4th edition being developed as part of CLAUD-IT. Additionally, a specific guide for nuclear medicine will be created. The project will also develop a training programme for auditors and provide comprehensive supporting documents and guidelines. All resources will be made available through an open-access repository, serving as a centralized platform for clinical audit information in radiology and nuclear medicine.

CLAUD-IT will pilot audit campaigns in radiology and nuclear medicine in nine EU Member States, including Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Germany, Greece, Italy, Romania, Slovenia, and Spain. The audits will be conducted in two rounds, beginning with 11 hospitals within the consortium. Based on the feedback and lessons learned, a second round will be organized in an additional 3–6 hospitals per participating country.

Professor Kloeckner added: “By conducting these pilot campaigns and refining our approach, CLAUD-IT aims to demonstrate the value of clinical audits and facilitate their integration into routine clinical practice. This project will not only support Member States in fulfilling regulatory requirements but also drive continuous improvement in medical imaging.”

Professor Evangelista concluded: “We are excited to share the progress of CLAUD-IT with the broader medical community. Our goal is to create a lasting impact on the quality and safety of radiology and nuclear medicine procedures, ensuring that patients across Europe receive the highest standard of care.”

The CLAUD-IT project is coordinated by the European Institute for Biomedical Imaging Research (EIBIR), which plays a central role in fostering collaborative research initiatives in biomedical imaging across Europe. This project is also supported by the ESR and EANM, two leading organizations committed to advancing the field of medical imaging and enhancing patient care. Their combined expertise and resources will be instrumental in the successful implementation and impact of CLAUD-IT.

For more information on CLAUD-IT and to access project resources, please visit the project homepage.

The CLAUD-IT project is co-funded under the EU4Health Programme 2021–2027 under grant agreement no. 101160903. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Health and Digital Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

For any enquiries contact the EIBIR office at office@eibir.org or askwara@eibir.org.

The European Society of Radiology (ESR) and the European Institute for Biomedical Imaging Research (EIBIR) are excited to announce the launch of Pixel Pandemonium at the European Congress of Radiology 2025. This unique event offers an exciting platform for showcasing the latest AI and Machine Learning tools in the field of medical imaging to a global audience of clinicians, researchers, and industry professionals.

About Pixel Pandemonium

Pixel Pandemonium aims to connect the rapidly evolving AI/ML research community with the radiology sector by presenting innovative and cutting-edge technologies that have the potential to shape the future of healthcare. The event encourages participation from both academia and industry, fostering joint research and collaboration.

The goal is to showcase AI/ML technology that is still in development, offering participants the opportunity to receive early-stage feedback and explore practical applications in radiology. Pixel Pandemonium is looking for demonstrations that range from initial ideas with impressive results to promising new solutions that can solve specific challenges in radiology.

The event is endorsed by MICCAI.

Important dates:

September 30, 2024: Call for submissions open

December 13, 2024: Deadline for submissions

January 17, 2025: Applicants will be informed

We look forward to seeing the innovative AI and ML solutions that will be presented at this exciting new initiative.

For more information on how to apply, please visit the Pixel Pandemonium submission page.

The SINFONIA Project has released its final video. This significant milestone marks the culmination of months of dedicated work and creative effort.

The final video, which highlights the project’s key achievements and milestones, is now available for viewing. It captures the essence of the project’s journey and showcases the impact it has made.

The project partners extend their gratitude to all who have been involved and supported the project throughout its development. The final video can be viewed here.

For more updates, visit their website: https://www.sinfonia-appraisal.eu/

The joint research group at the University of Mannheim and the University Medical Center Mannheim is investigating the explainability of radiological decision support systems based on artificial intelligence (AI). Existing technologies for explaining AI advice were designed for AI developers but are not sufficiently meaningful for clinical decisions. Using a novel, hybrid AI approach, they have developed a new explanation method that takes into account radiology-informed diagnostic principles and thus improves the understandability and trustworthiness of automated diagnostic recommendations.

To gain further insights into our hybrid approach of radiology-based AI explanations, they kindly invite you as a resident, specialist, or senior physician in radiology to participate in a study. Your clinical background will help to better adapt the technologies to the actual working environment. At the same time, you can gain exciting insights into the development progress of AI systems.

The study is conducted as an online experiment and takes less than 15 minutes and is open until 30 September. It includes short questions on previous AI use, the detection of pulmonary nodules in CT imaging, and a final survey on the understandability of AI support.

Your answers will be treated anonymously and confidentially so that your identity cannot be traced. As a thank you for your time, they are giving away ten Amazon vouchers worth €50 each among all participants. If you are interested, they will also be pleased to send you the most important results afterwards. You can access the online experiment here:

If you have any further questions about the study or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact them by e-mail (oberste@uni-mannheim.de) or phone (+49 (0) 151 7000 1994).