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
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.
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.
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.