.png)
AI4LUNGS 2nd Edition Newsletter!
Greetings from the AI4LUNGS project, welcome to our second edition of the Newsletter!
Welcome to the second AI4LUNGS newsletter!
As we wrap up 2024, we are also celebrating the first year of the AI4LUNGS project! 🎉 Its hard to believe how quickly time has passed, and we are incredibly proud of the progress we have made together as a team, all working toward a shared mission.
​
We are excited to bring you the second edition of our newsletter, where we share updates on some of our recent achievements:
-
The successful launch of the inaugural AI4LUNGS Stakeholders Forum
-
Submission of clinical studies for the project
-
Establishment of the Data Safety Monitoring Committee (DSMC)
-
Formation of our Research and Development (Ramp;D) Committee...
and many more! So much to go through, let’s get into it!
​
Project Update
The inaugural AI4LUNGS Stakeholders Forum took place in November, 2024
The inaugural AI4LUNGS Stakeholders Forum took place on November 13, 2024, marking a significant milestone in our collective mission to advance respiratory healthcare.
​
The first Stakeholder Meeting brought together stakeholders from diverse professional backgrounds and countries, providing a platform to introduce the AI4LUNGS project’s vision and spark meaningful discussions for future partnerships.
​
​
Project Clinical Studies Submitted by Clinical Partners
​
The clinical partners of the AI4LUNGS project- Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Mor Research Applications, Cancer Registry of Norway (Kreftregisteret), Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO) , have taken a significant step forward by submitting the study proposal to their respective ethical committees in November 2024.
​
This submission marks an essential milestone in the early stages of the project, as it is the foundational step toward securing approval for data collection. Ethical committee approval is a critical process in healthcare research, ensuring that all data collection, handling, and usage adhere to strict ethical standards and regulatory requirements, such as GDPR.
​
Once the ethical approval process is completed, we anticipate starting sharing data from February 2025. This data will serve as the cornerstone for the development of our AI-based tools, enabling AI4LUNGS to create robust, reliable, and ethical digital solutions for clinical decision-making. This milestone underscores our commitment to upholding transparency and ethical practices from the very beginning of the project lifecycle.
The internal data safety monitoring committee (DSMC) was established
The project has established a dedicated committee to address all legal matters related to data management. This committee brings together Data Protection Officers from all project partners, creating a collaborative platform to discuss and develop strategies that ensure the project aligns with best practices and meets all legal compliance requirements, including GDPR and other relevant regulations.
One of the committees key priorities is finalising the Data Sharing Agreement. (DSA). This crucial document outlines the terms and conditions for data sharing among project partners, detailing how data will be collected, processed, and protected throughout the project lifecycle. The DSA is designed to ensure transparency, build trust among stakeholders, and guarantee that data handling practices remain ethical and secure.
​
We aim to finalise the DSA by early 2025. This timeline is vital for keeping the project on track, as access to data is foundational for the development and validation of our AI-based solutions. By establishing clear guidelines and protocols through the DSA, we ensure a robust framework for collaboration and compliance, paving the way for the successful realisation of project objectives.
The Research and Development Committee is constituted
​
The Research and Development committee was officially established last week to enhance collaboration and coordination across various work flows within the AI4LUNGS project. In AI4LUNGS, each activity is designed for a specific aspect of the data processing workflow, focusing on distinct modules that collectively contribute to the development of our AI solutions.
​This committee plays a crucial role in ensuring the success and effectiveness of these initiatives, such as: Strategic Direction and Innovation; Expert Guidance; Compliance with Funding Requirements; Resource Optimization; Quality Assurance and Monitoring; Facilitating Collaboration; Innovation Dissemination and Exploitation; Long-term Impact. In summary, the R&D committee serves as the backbone of European projects, ensuring they are innovative, impactful, and aligned with EU priorities. It not only drives scientific and technological advancements but also ensures that these projects deliver tangible benefits to society.
​​
​-Hélder P. Oliveira, area manager from INESC TEC​
News
The AI4LUNGS project was presented at Portugal's biggest annual science and innovation event, The Portuguese Science Summit - Ciência 2024.
​
AI4LUNGS' objectives and innovations were introduced to the Portuguese research community by the project coordinator, Hélder P. Oliveira from INESC TEC, during a 10-minute presentation. The presentation was part of the thematic session "Smart Care: The Bridge Between AI and Health Systems According to the Advances Made at INESC."
​
.png)
AI4LUNGS begins automating clinical data transfers for AI model development
In September 2024, AI4LUNGS project partners Sapir Balas and Ronen Weinstein from Yonalink and Liron Ben Yosef from KPMG joined Duarte Dias from INESC TEC and Gaia for a two-day meeting in Portugal to initiate the integration between Gaia's electronic health records (EHR) and Yonalink’s system. This step will help automate the transfer and harmonization of clinical data, enabling its use in the development of new AI models set to begin in early 2025.
Blogs
Why Stakeholder Engagement is Essential for Advancing EU Healthcare Projects
Healthcare in the EU is rapidly evolving, with innovative treatments and technologies promising better outcomes. Have you ever thought about why engaging stakeholders is essential for advancing EU healthcare projects?
The Future of AI in European Healthcare: Policy, Equity, and Implementation Strategies
Although AI technology has made significant advances, its integration into clinical practice remains slow. In the European Union, there is a significant implementation gap due to regulatory challenges, logistical issues, and technical obstacles.
Adapting to the EU AI Act: Ensuring Compliance in AI-Powered Healthcare Solutions
Magdalena Kogut - Czarkowska from Timelex- the legal partner of AI4LUNGS- authored an article outlining the EU's Artificial Intelligence Act which aims to ensure safe AI development while mitigating risks to health, safety, and fundamental rights. The blog discusses the key principles of the Act, and its implications for users and developers of AI systems, particularly in high-risk areas like healthcare. It also provides recommendations regarding the applicability of the Act to scientific research projects, which focus on AI in healthcare.
​
What’s Coming Up Next?
🇩🇪 Road to Germany 2025 🇩🇪
To celebrate the milestones achieved and to be forward-looking into the next steps of the project, the AI4LUNGS consortium partners are going to meet in Germany in February 2025. We are excited to see how the project is going to progress, and to leverage on the achievements for reaching the next milestones on the way!
As we continue to change the game in lung health in the AI4LUNGS project, collaboration and careful planning remain at the heart of our efforts. By fostering strong communication among partners and adhering to ethical and legal best practices, we are paving the way for impactful AI-driven innovations in healthcare.
​
Stay tuned for more updates as we achieve key milestones and progress toward our shared goal of transforming lung disease diagnostics and treatment.
From all of us at AI4LUNGS, we wish you a joyful holiday season and a bright start to the new year!🎅
Funded by the European Union under Horizon Europe Programme (Grant Agreement No. 101080756). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the AI4Lungs consortium author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Health And Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.