EURopeAn MEDical application and Radiation prOteCtion Concept: strategic research agenda aNd ROadmap interLinking to heaLth and digitisation aspects

Project Information

EURAMED rocc-n-roll

Grant agreement ID: 899995

DOI

10.3030/899995

Project closed

EC signature date 14 May 2020

Start date 1 September 2020

End date 31 August 2023

Funded under

• Euratom

Total cost

€ 1 959 175,00

EU contribution

€ 1 959 175,00

Coordinated by

EIBIR GEMEINNUTZIGE GMBH ZUR FORDERUNG DER ERFORSCHUNG DER BIOMEDIZINISCHEN BILDGEBUNG
Austria

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - EURAMED rocc-n-roll (EURopeAn MEDical application and Radiation prOteCtion Concept: strategic research agenda aNd ROadmap interLinking to heaLth and digitisation aspects)

Reporting period: 2022-03-01 to 2023-08-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The EURAMED rocc-n-roll project aimed at establishing a basis for advancing research and innovation in the field of medical applications of ionising radiation and related radiation protection to improve personalised health care in Europe. Its primary objective was to establish a European consensus on research needs and priorities through extensive stakeholder input and consultation. By bringing together experts from various disciplines, including radiation therapy and diagnosis, radiation biology, medical physics, ethics, and AI, the project fostered collaboration and innovation in the dynamic environment of medical ionising radiation applications. The overarching goal is to optimise the use of ionising radiation in medicine while leveraging technological advancements to enhance patient care, improve the quality of life for EU citizens, stimulate growth and job creation within the EU, and enhance Europe's global standing in this critical domain.
The project’s main deliverables included the development of a Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) and a roadmap, both of which are informed by research gaps and needs identified within the project and based on a broad stakeholder consensus. The SRA focusses on the research needs while the roadmap establishes a way for prioritisation. The interlink document provides information about the potential interlinks between European funding programmes and thus will help foster collaborations and initiate combined funding approaches. These documents provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research and serve as a guide for future European research efforts. The EURAMED rocc-n-roll project has successfully bridged the gap between the healthcare and radiation science sectors, fostering cooperation and paving the way for transformative advancements in medical imaging, radiation protection, and patient-centric care. Moreover, education and training schemes for the health workforce and scientists were developed to increase Europe’s research capacity in the field.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

During the final reporting period, the EURAMED rocc-n-roll project made substantial strides in medical radiation research. It systematically analysed gaps and research needs, incorporating insights from sources like SAMIRA, SMER reports, PRISMAP, and MEDICIS, thereby expanding the research topics encompassed by the Strategic Research Agenda (SRA). Alignment with regulatory requirements was ensured by gathering input from regulators.
Consensus was achieved on research priorities for disease-dependent ionizing radiation applications, spanning oncology, neurovascular, cardiovascular diseases, pediatrics, pregnant women, and chronic diseases, including screening program optimization. Patient perspectives played a central role throughout the project, with a dedicated patient panel providing valuable feedback.
The project explored European funding programs, identifying common interests and synergies to optimise research funding opportunities. Criteria for identifying Centers of Excellence in ionizing radiation research were established, promoting collaboration. Investigation into the potential of AI and electronic patient records in ionizing radiation research addressed ethical considerations.
A comprehensive framework streamlined translational challenges, facilitating the progression of research to industrial application, product development, and clinical use. Sustainability concerns in medical radiation protection were identified via a survey, emphasising long-term ethical and environmental considerations.
The project conducted exemplary training events based on a methodological framework and a guidance document for radiation protection education and training, ensuring the competence of professionals in the field.
The project's core achievement was the development of the EURAMED rocc-n-roll Strategic Research Agenda, the roadmap, and an interlink document. These guides will continue to shape future research, fostering collaboration and innovation in medical radiation protection.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

EURAMED rocc-n-roll addressed the distinct necessity to establish a Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) focused on the medical applications of ionising radiation in Europe. The use of ionising radiation in the field of medicine offers significant opportunities for healthcare advancements. However, it also stands as the most substantial artificially created source of radiation exposure. Emerging and promising methods and technologies in the medical application of ionising radiation, such as personalised medicine and artificial intelligence, require additional research to address new radiation protection concerns in the medical domain.
With the release of the SRA and the related roadmap, the project aims to shape the future of funding for medical ionising radiation applications, ensuring that Europe remains a leader in cutting-edge healthcare technologies, with a focus on providing equitable access to safe and high-quality personalised care for all citizens.
The EURAMED rocc-n-roll project integrated the health, the industrial, the patient and digital perspectives of research related to medical applications of ionising radiation and the corresponding radiation protection research into a common framework. Leveraging a multi-stakeholder approach, the project developed a framework that will influence future research recommendations and funding scenarios.
EURAMED rocc-n-roll made significant progress, enhancing research collaboration, regulatory alignment, and patient-centricity while addressing critical aspects of ionising radiation application and corresponding protection. The resulting documents and frameworks will continue to drive advancements in the field, ensuring its relevance and sustainability.
The project has generated a comprehensive SRA for medical applications of ionising radiation and related radiation protection outlining research needs, gaps, challenges, and opportunities for the coming decades, backed by a wide stakeholder consensus. The roadmap delineates research priorities across various timeframes and provides insights into the required budgetary dimensions and will guide the European Commission and stakeholders in setting research priorities for the field in the coming decades. The interlink document explores collaborative possibilities with other research programs, including health and digitisation programs, fostering collaboration and combined funding approaches.
These documents are poised to drive advancements in medical applications of ionising radiation and radiation protection, benefiting patients, industries, and research efforts across Europe in the coming decades.

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