We invite you to join three interesting discussions at ECR Studio! The interviews will take place this week, from March 1-4 during the European Congress of Radiology in Vienna and they are also streamed online. Access the stream by clicking here.

Harnessing the Power of EU Funding: Insights from the European Institute for Biomedical Imaging Research
March 1, 16:00 – 16:30
Guests: Prof. Gabriel Krestin and Prof. Regina Beets-Tan

In this  interview, the EIBIR scientific leadership will share their insights on how the organisation navigates the European funding programmes, aligns its research efforts with its objectives and prioritises the projects it supports. Join us as we delve into the inner workings of EIBIR and discover how it is contributing to the European Health Union.

Unlocking the Potential of AI in Breast Cancer Care: A conversation with top experts
March 3, 13:00-13:30
Guests: PD Dr. Daniel Truhn and Prof. Karim Lekadir

Revolutionizing Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment: Join us for an interview with the leading researchers behind the RadioVal and ODELIA projects. Discover how they are harnessing the power of AI and radiomics to improve patient outcomes and reduce over-treatment. Learn about the challenges and opportunities of implementing these innovative projects in multi-centre, cross-country and multi-faceted data sets.

The EUCAIM Project: Unlocking the Potential of Federated Cancer Imaging on a pan-European Scale
March 4, 11:30 – 12:00
Guests: Prof. Luis Marti-Bonmati

Unlocking the power of federated cancer imaging data: Join us for an exclusive interview with the EUCAIM team as they share their vision for a pan-European digital federated infrastructure for cancer-related images. Discover how EUCAIM is revolutionising cancer research and treatment, and how it aligns with the EU Mission on Cancer. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the challenges and opportunities of implementing such an ambitious project.

Six dedicated EIBIR sessions will take place during ECR 2023 from March 1-4, 2023. We invite you to learn about and discuss our running and new research projects and explore further the current advancements and funding opportunities of the following topics: AI for health imaging; advances in cancer management, improving quality and safety in imaging and therapy; medical applications of ionising radiation; AI applications in radiation protection and many more!

Visit the EIBIR booth on level -2 to talk to us about funding opportunities for imaging research. We look forward to seeing you at ECR!

All project-related sessions will also be streamed online for free (*).

Paving the way for a European infrastructure for AI for health imaging*

March 1, 13:00-14:30 CET, Room D (level -2)

– Chairpersons’ introduction (Luis Martí-Bonmatí; Valencia/ES, Gabriel P. Krestin; Rotterdam/NL)
– EuCanImage project: towards a European cancer imaging platform for enhanced artificial intelligence in oncology (Martijn Starmans; Rotterdam/NL1)
– CHAIMELEON project (Ignacio Blanquer; Valencia/ES)
– Incisive project (Gianna Tsakou; Marousi/GR)
– PROCANCER-I project: AI modelling strategies with multi-centric data (Nikolaos Papanikolaou; Lisbon/PT)
– PRIMAGE project (Angel Alberich-Bayarri; Valencia/ES)
– EUCAIM project (Luis Martí-Bonmatí; Valencia/ES)
– Discussion

European efforts to improve quality and safety in imaging and therapy*

March 2, 10:30-11:30 CET, Room D (level -2)

– Chairperson’s introduction (Gabriel P. Krestin; Rotterdam/NL)
– i-Violin project (Christoph Hoeschen; Magdeburg/DE)
– SIMPLERAD project: study on the implementation of the Euratom and the EU legal bases with respect to the therapeutic uses of radiopharmaceuticals (Bernd Krause; Rostock/DE)
– AlternativesToGd project (Rachel Katz-Brull; Jerusalem/IL)
– EIBIR activities and upcoming opportunities (Katharina Krischak; Vienna/AT)
– Discussion

European Research Agenda for medical applications of ionising radiation: the EURAMED rocc-n-roll project*

March 3, 10:30-12:00 CET, Room D (level -2)

– Chairperson’s introduction (Guy Frija; Paris/FR)
– Medical radiation application research needs and radiation protection (Katrine Riklund; Umea/SE)
– Links between centres of excellence and research infrastructures for the field of medical applications of ionising radiation research (Jean-Michel Dolo; Gif sur Yvette/FR)
– Generating a framework for improved transfer of knowledge to industry and clinical routine (Riccardo Corridori; Brussels/BE)
– A consensus-based European Strategic Research Agenda for medical applications of ionising radiation (Christoph Hoeschen; Magdeburg/DE)
– Discussion

Advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment: EIBIR projects*

March 4, 08:00-09:00 CET, Room D (level -2)

– Chairperson’s introduction (Regina G.H. Beets-Tan; Amsterdam/NL)
– Optical imaging for neuronavigation in brain tumour surgery: the HyperProbe project (Francesco Pavone; Florence/IT)
– Holistic and trustworthy AI evaluation in breast cancer imaging: the RadioVal project (Karim Lekadir; Barcelona/ES)
– A European swarm learning network for training of AI algorithms for breast cancer detection in MRI:  The ODELIA project (Daniel Truhn; Aachen/DE)
– European funding opportunities for oncology (Peter Gordebeke; Vienna/AT)
– Discussion

AI applications in radiation protection: the experience of the SINFONIA project*

March 5, 09:30-11:00 CET, Room D (level -2)

– Chairpersons’ introduction (John Damilakis; Iraklion/GR)
– Machine learning in CT dose estimation (John Damilakis; Iraklion/GR)
– Person and object tracking for real-time dosimetry of nuclear medicine personnel (Daniel Santiago Rondon; Mol/BE)
– AI-assisted learning in medical radiation protection (Jurgen Jacobs; Leuven/BE)
– Panel discussion: How can AI support radiation protection in clinical practice?

Funding the future of imaging: the ESR research seed grant

March 4, 08:00-09:00 CET, Foyer C

– Chairpersons’ introduction (Marion Smits; Rotterdam/NL,Gabriel P. Krestin; Rotterdam/NL)
– The brain age biomarker initiative in stroke (Martini Bretzner; Lille/FR)
– PI-QUAL and artificial intelligence: a pilot study to test a novel tool to assess the quality of multiparametric MRI of the prostate (Francesco Giganti; London/UK)
– Diffusion probabilistic models to reduce the use of contrast agent in breast MRI (Teresa Nolte; Aarchen/DE)
– Fetal MRI radiomics for machine learning-assisted lung maturation assessment and outcome prediction (Florian Prayer; Vienna/AT)
– Artificial intelligence for fracture detection in paediatric osteogenesis imperfecta (Susan Shelmerdine; London/UK)
– A convolutional neural network for automated segmentation of solid renal tumours on CT images (Johannes Uhlig; Göttingen/DE)
– Feasibility and pathophysiologic implications of endovascular portal vein arterialisation in a porcine model (Rene Michael Mathy; Heidelberg/DE)
– ICE STUDY – to detect cryoimmunologic response induced by ultrasound-guided cryoablation on early breast cancer: evaluation of specific local and circulating markers (Francesca Galati; Rome/IT)
– Safety and oncologic outcome of percutaneous cryo-ablation compared to partial nephrectomy for T1b RCC: a propensity score matching analysis (Elisabeth G. Klompenhouwer; Amsterdam/NL)
– Application of perinterventional computed tomographic perfusion imaging before and after intraarterial application of vasoactive substances during treatment of primary and secondary liver cancer with radioembolisation and chemoembolization (Christine March; Magdeburg/DE)
– Open forum discussion

How to register for open access sessions at the ECR

In order to access the open access sessions please follow the instructions below:

1. Visit the session page on ESR Connect and select the session you would like to attend.
2. Click on ‘Login’ in the upper right corner and enter your ESR MyUserArea credentials or create a new ESR account for free (after you have created your account please visit the session page once again).
3. The session is now saved in your user menu under ‘My Courses’ which can be accessed via your user icon in the upper right corner.
4. When the session starts, log-into your account and visit the session page, where the livestream will start automatically.

Organised by the European Alliance for Medical Radiation Protection Research (EURAMED), the EURAMED Winter Webinar will introduce participants to important ongoing medical radiation protection research efforts in Europe. We are pleased to invite you to take part and discuss these projects with the scientific leads.

The webinar will be held on 15 February 2023, 17:00-18:30 CET and is open to all with interest in medical radiation protection research. The webinar will feature ongoing projects involving EURAMED as a partner or coming from the EURAMED community. Partners from each project will describe the objectives, tasks and early results, demonstrating the cutting edge in medical radiation protection research, and describe how stakeholders can get involved and benefit. Q&A will follow for audience participation.

Attendance is free of charge, but please register here. You will receive the login information as a part of registration.

The programme and further information are available on the EURAMED website.

December 5, 2022

In 2022, the European Society of Radiology (ESR), in cooperation with the European Institute for Biomedical Imaging Research (EIBIR), launched the ESR Research Seed Grant Global programme to stimulate and provide funding for innovative projects and pilot studies that will subsequently lead to larger studies and further funding applications. The focus of the programme which has been kindly supported by an unrestricted, non-exclusive grant from Siemens Healthineers is on research carried out in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and Africa.

Enhancing quality in radiological imaging and interventional radiology and Value-based radiology were identified as the funding priorities for 2022. After an extensive review by a panel of international experts, three proposals were selected for funding:

A Radiology-Driven Approach to Improve Clinical Outcomes for Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Tanzania: A Quality Improvement Project
Erick Mbuguje, Muhimbili National Hospital, United Republic of Tanzania

Assessing the Safety and Effectiveness of the First Interventional Radiology Training Program in Uganda: A Quality Assurance Project
Eva Nabawanuka, Makerere University college of health sciences, Uganda

Improving utilisation of mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke by implementation of standardized protocols for patient selection, imaging and referral
Tajana Turk, University Hospital Center Osijek, Croatia

We congratulate the awardees and are looking forward to hearing about the progress in their fascinating research projects during ECR2024.

Find out more about what the researchers aim to achieve in their projects here.

Following the success of its first call in June, the European Commission’s Innovative Health Initiative (IHI) is launching its second round of calls for proposals! Informative webinars and other events will be scheduled to inform interested partners about the final topics and rules for applying.

The following draft topics have not yet been approved by the IHI Governing Board, but their announcement is intended to allow potential partners to build a consortium and draft a proposal.

Draft proposals of Call 3 currently include single-stage topics on:

• Screening platform and biomarkers for prediction and prevention of diseases of unmet public health need
• Patient-generated evidence to improve outcomes, support decision making, and accelerate innovation
• Combining hospital interventional approaches to improve patient outcomes and increase hospital efficiencies
• Strengthening the European ecosystem for Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) and other innovative therapeutic modalities for rare diseases
• Digital health technologies for the prevention and personalised management of mental disorders and their long-term health consequences

And Call 4 asks for two-stage topics on:

• Expanding translational knowledge in minipigs: a path to reduce and replace non-human primates in non-clinical drug safety assessment
• Patient-centric blood sample collection to enable decentralised clinical trials and improve access to healthcare

EIBIR will disseminate more information about the final IHI calls and associated events as it becomes available.

With the tender beginning this month, the 10 members of the i-Violin consortium held on September 21 and 22 in Vienna their Kick-Off Meeting before representatives of the European Commmission’s DG ENER and HaDEA, the European Health and Digital Executive Agency. The consortium presented an overview of the project and the workplan for all seven work packages, receiving feedback and an outlook on cooperation with the EC, project officer and SAMIRA Steering Group on Quality and Safety.

The i-Violin project, standing for “implementing verifiable oncological imaging by quality assurance and optimisation,” aims to satisfy the clearly identified need to optimise and harmonise oncological imaging procedures in Europe and ensure their broad adoption. The current disparities in oncological imaging procedures in Europe, which i-Violin can address at the transnational level to improve cancer care for Europe’s patients, are evident from several recent projects and surveys conducted by the EuroSafe Imaging campaign. i-Violin will contribute to establishing a harmonised and standardised oncological imaging approach focusing on the chest, abdomen and pelvis, and a targeted education and training programme for radiologists, radiographers and medical physicists will accompany dissemination and foster uptake. As Scientific Coordinator Prof. Christoph Hoeschen (Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, DE) explained, dissemination will be essential to ensure implementation of the new tools and optimised procedures. The EC looks forward to the results of this project as a promising opportunity to advance cancer care under the EU4Health Programme.

On 1 September 2022, i-Violin a 24-month project co-funded by the EU under the EU4Health programme 2021-2027 was officially launched. The project brings together 10 partners from 9 countries and aims to improve optimisation and harmonisation of oncological imaging procedures in Europe and to ensure their broad adoption to improve the quality and safety of cancer care for Europe’s patients.

Several ongoing projects and recent surveys have demonstrated disparities in oncological imaging procedures across Europe. Furthermore, they have also advanced the understanding of imaging and their effects, on which i-Violin will build upon; mainly the Horizon 2020 MEDIRAD project (no. 755523, website) completed in February 2022 and the ongoing SINFONIA project (no. 945196, website), both related to dose determination in three-dimensional imaging as well as image quality assessment.

During the Kick-Off meeting of September 19 and 20 in Vienna and online, the consortium will present its objectives and workplan to the European Commission and receive their feedback as the tasks get underway. Each work package will be detailed, and an overall project timeline will be negotiated. This is a tremendous opportunity for the visibility of the project and its work.

Read more about the project and its objectives here.

The Innovative Health Initiative (IHI), founded by the European Commission (EC), is launching its first calls for proposals! To kick start the initiative, there’ll be a free of charge event on 14 June 2022.

The one-day hybrid kick-off and brokerage event will consist of open discussions and give you a chance to build networks. With two sessions planned for the day, the first will present the content of the upcoming calls and highlight the rules for participation. The second will follow with information on forming consortia and give you a chance to make elevator pitches on proposals.

EIBIR encourages our community members to attend the event and learn more about the initiative. We will for sure be attending!

Alongside the kick-off event, IHI has also organised a series of webinars from 10 to 23 June on the rules and procedures of application and the different eligible funding topics.

Proposal Call 1 will include single-stage topics on:

• Next generation imaging and image-guided diagnosis and therapy for cancer
• Access and integration of heterogeneous health data for improved health care in diseases areas of high unmet public health need
• Personalised oncology: Innovative people-centred, multi-modal therapies against cancer
• An innovative decision-support system for improved care pathways for patients with neurodegenerative diseases and comorbidities

And Call 2 asks for two-stage topics on:

• Cardiovascular diseases – improved prediction, prevention, diagnosis and monitoring
• Setting a harmonised methodology to promote uptake of early feasibility studies for clinical and innovation excellence in the European Union

There’ll be a webinar session on each of these calls and topics, so please be sure to register and gain all the necessary input to have the best chances of creating a winning proposal! Further information and links to registration are available here.