From 25 to 31 May 2023, a number of activities focused on cancer and health will take place.
The European Week Against Cancer (EWAC) is held annually to invite cancer charities, European policymakers, and the general public to actively participate in various activities aimed at raising awareness of cancer prevention, improving access to treatment, and providing support to cancer patients and survivors. EWAC aims to raise awareness of the initiatives and actions outlined in Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and other programs. In particular, this year 2023 aims to highlight the more than 25 projects that are funded and implemented by the EU4Health program, including the JANE Joint Action in which Biosistemak (formerly Kronikgune) participates.
JANE, Joint Action on Networks of Expertise, is a project launched in October 2022 that aims to create seven Knowledge Networks in cancer care that provide services, tools and evidence to support Member States’ National Networks and Comprehensive Cancer Centres. The creation of the new Knowledge Networks will seek to provide resources and evidence on healthcare and clinical decision-making; research (clinical, translational, and epidemiological); definition of state-of-the-art and clinical practice guidelines; training of professionals and patients; among others. All are aimed at maximizing and shaping the European Union’s investment and vision in terms of research infrastructure and platforms.
Biosistemak (formerly Kronikgune) represents the Basque Country in JANE, which has a consortium composed of 36 beneficiaries from 16 States coordinated by the Fondazione IRCCS Instituto Nazionale del Tumori of Italy. It is also the sole beneficiary and signatory authority at a national level, and coordinates two work packages on “Sustainability” and “Integration between healthcare and research”.
Among the main activities carried out by Biosistemak (formerly Kronikgune) in the first six months of the project is the review and identification of 62 existing EU cancer networks and partnerships related to the areas of expertise established in JANE. Of all the networks and partnerships identified, an in-depth analysis of 15 of them is being carried out based on eight dimensions: (1) scope, (2) governance, (3) strategic plan, (4) research, education, and services, (5) strategic alliances, (6) communication strategy and tools, (7) legal and regulatory ethics and (8) funding. Another of the activities highlighted and implemented by Biosistemak (formerly Kronikgune) is the definition of a common framework on the current situation of transnational research and the challenges currently facing it.
Another of the activities highlighted and implemented by Biosistemak (formerly Kronikgune) is the definition of a common framework on the current situation of transnational research and the current challenges in the integration between healthcare and research.
In the coming months, the tasks of Biosistemak (formerly Kronikgune) will focus on working with policymakers and project stakeholders, such as industry players, patient associations, and researchers. The establishment of working and communication dynamics with these references will be fundamental for the future launch and operation of the knowledge networks. To this end, various activities such as informal meetings, policy dialogues, and the organization of Stakeholder Forums will be carried out.
In October 2023, the plenary meeting of the consortium is scheduled to take place in Barcelona and will be attended by representatives of the 36 project beneficiaries. In addition to this plenary meeting, the Steering Committee of the project and the first stakeholder meeting will also take place.
