Thyroid gland is an organ located in the lower front part of the neck. The main function of the thyroid gland is to produce triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Thyroid hormones are key regulators of basal energy expenditure and metabolism, regular cell development and differentiation, neurodevelopmental processes in the first years of life, linear growth, body composition, and weight. Normal thyroid function is regulated by the hypothalamic thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) that stimulates the release of the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from the pituitary gland. In turn, TSH drives the synthesis and secretion of thyroid hormones from the thyroid gland. TSH and TRH levels increase when circulating thyroid hormone levels are low, and vice versa. Serum TSH and free thyroxine (FT4) concentrations are routinely used to assess thyroid function of an individual in everyday clinical practice. Free T3 or free T4 measures an active thyroid hormone which is not bound to protein, and is able to affect body tissues. Total T3 or total T4 measures the bound and free hormone, which can be influenced by protein levels in the blood. Tests measuring free hormones more accurately reflect how the thyroid gland is functioning.

Common Thyroid Disorders: Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism

Hypothyroidism: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Hypothyroidism is a condition characterized by reduced production and secretion of thyroid hormones. In primary hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland cannot produce adequate thyroid hormones. The less commonly seen secondary hypothyroidism results from abnormal pituitary gland function. The main indicator of the hypothyroid condition is a low level of thyroid hormones and an elevated TSH level. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Patients with hypothyroidism require lifelong thyroid hormone replacement treatment with levothyroxine. The primary goal of treatment is to provide the appropriate daily dose of thyroid hormone to restore normal thyroid function for each individual patient.

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis as a Cause of Hypothyroidism

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease in which a dysfunctional immune system leads to chronic damage of thyroid tissue, followed by replacement of the damaged areas with scar tissue and lymphocytes. This diagnosis is more common in women, and its prevalence increases with age. The disease is characterized by positive antibodies against thyroglobulin and thyroid peroxidase. Metabolism slows down due to a decline in hormone levels. Patients most often complain of fatigue, poor concentration and memory, sensitivity to cold, constipation, weight gain, hair loss, low mood, a sensation of choking or tightness in the neck, and lack of motivation.

Hyperthyroidism: Symptoms, Risks and Management

Hyperthyroidism is a condition of excessive production and secretion of thyroid hormones into the blood. The main indicators are elevated levels of thyroid hormones and a decreased level of TSH. An accelerated metabolism of substances and nutrients in the body may lead to the development of other health problems after a prolonged period of hyperthyroidism. In most cases, the cause of hyperthyroidism is Basedow–Graves disease, but other possible causes include multinodular toxic goiter, toxic adenoma, and thyroid inflammation. Untreated hyperthyroidism can cause cardiac arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, osteoporosis, adverse obstetric outcomes, and metabolic derangements such as increased resting energy expenditure and gluconeogenesis. Treatment should be patient-centered and individualized, taking into account age, comorbidities, severity of hyperthyroidism, likelihood of remission, plans for pregnancy, available surgical expertise, and patient preferences.

Basedow–Graves Disease and Autoimmune Hyperthyroidism

Basedow–Graves disease is an autoimmune disorder that occurs more frequently in younger women. It is manifested by diffuse enlargement of the thyroid gland, which can be accompanied by bulging eyes. A hallmark of the disease is the presence of antibodies against thyroglobulin, thyroid peroxidase, and TSH receptor. Patients most commonly complain of palpitations, accelerated digestion, weight loss despite increased appetite, feeling hot and sweating, insomnia, changes in the menstrual cycle and sexual desire, nervousness, and trembling hands. In patients with Graves’ disease, treatment should focus on controlling hyperthyroidism with the anticipated eventual remission of Graves’ disease with antithyroid drugs. Antithyroid drugs decrease thyroid hormone synthesis and secretion. In patients who do not achieve remission, or in those whose hyperthyroidism remits and then recurs, definitive therapy with radioactive iodine or thyroidectomy should be considered.

Multinodular Toxic Goiter and Toxic Adenoma

Multinodular toxic goiter is a disease characterized by multiple nodules in the thyroid gland that secrete thyroid hormones excessively without regulation by the pituitary gland. A toxic adenoma is a type of benign tumor that similarly excessively secretes thyroid hormones. Toxic nodular goitre and toxic adenoma are mostly treated with radioactive iodine or thyroidectomy.

Thyroid Tumors and Thyroid Cancer

A tumor is an abnormal accumulation of tissue. Tumors can be benign or malignant. The etiology of thyroid carcinoma is not fully understood. However, it is known that a higher risk is present in females, individuals with a family history of cancer, those who have been exposed to radiation, and that it occurs more frequently after the age of thirty.

Benign Thyroid Tumors: Follicular Adenoma

Follicular adenoma is the most common epithelial benign tumor. It occurs in all age groups, but more often in young adults. These are solitary, spherical formations with a diameter of less than 3 cm. Adenomas may be functional (toxic) or non-functional. Functional adenomas produce thyroid hormones uncontrollably, without activation of the pituitary gland.

Malignant Thyroid Tumors: Types and Treatment Options

Malignant tumors of the thyroid gland are very rare and account for about 1% of all malignant tumors. They can be differentiated (papillary and follicular) or undifferentiated (medullary and anaplastic). Differentiated tumor cells resemble normal tissue cells. Tumors made up of such cells respond better to treatment. Undifferentiated tumors are made up of cells that do not resemble normal tissue, so they behave more aggressively and require a more aggressive approach to treatment. Malignant tumors occur somewhat more frequently in women, typically between 30 and 45 years of age. Treatment options are determined by the type and stage of thyroid cancer. Surgically removing the thyroid gland is a common approach. Any remaining cancer cells are then treated with radioactive iodine therapy. After surgical removal of the thyroid gland, patients need to take thyroid hormone replacement therapy for the rest of their lives to maintain normal physiological processes. External beam radiation therapy may be an option for individuals whose aggressive or advanced thyroid tumors do not respond to standard care.

Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Papillary carcinoma is the most common thyroid cancer. This type of cancer has the best prognosis. It is more often diagnosed before the age of 40. It can remain localized in the gland for years, but in some patients, metastases to the cervical lymph nodes are already present at the time of diagnosis.

Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma

Follicular carcinoma is the second most common type of thyroid cancer. It occurs mainly in middle-aged and older individuals. This type of cancer is more aggressive than papillary thyroid carcinoma, but likewise has a good prognosis for recovery.

Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma

Medullary carcinoma is a rare type of thyroid cancer. It occurs in middle and late adulthood, usually sporadically as a solitary thyroid nodule. The prognosis of medullary thyroid cancer is usually not as favorable as that of differentiated thyroid cancers.

Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma

Anaplastic carcinoma is the rarest histological type of thyroid cancer, but it is extremely aggressive. Compared with other types of thyroid carcinoma, it unfortunately has the worst prognosis.

Current Research and Advances in Thyroid Disease Treatment

Since thyroid disorders are largely a consequence of a hectic lifestyle, it is important to introduce some changes in an individual’s daily life. In the treatment of thyroid disease, in addition to medication, the importance of a proper diet is also emphasized. The diet should be varied and balanced, with frequent fluid intake. There is no specific diet therapy for thyroid problems, but the Mediterranean diet is recommended, as it has proven to be extremely beneficial for a wide range of health problems. It is important to emphasize the importance of consuming minimally processed foods or avoiding industrially prepared foods that are abundant in stores. Selenium and selenoproteins are important in the creation and metabolism of thyroid hormones. They have an anti-inflammatory effect, can reduce the titer of thyroid peroxidase antibodies, have a positive effect on hypothyroidism, and result in a reduction in the required dose of levothyroxine.

In addition to existing diagnostic methods, additional research is being conducted for the purpose of earlier detection of diseases, personalized medicine, and better treatment methods. The association of various inflammatory parameters with thyroid disorders is being investigated to serve as additional diagnostic tools. The involvement of various genes in thyroid diseases is also being examined, which could be useful in a personalized approach to patients in the future. Several international ultrasound-based thyroid nodule risk stratification systems have been developed with the goal of reducing unnecessary biopsies. Less invasive alternatives to surgery for low-risk thyroid cancer, such as active surveillance and minimally invasive interventions, are being explored. New systemic therapies are now available for patients with advanced thyroid cancer. The progress of targeted therapy and biomarker research in thyroid cancer represents a possible change in therapeutic methods aimed at precision and individualization.

Author: Marija Banović (Polyclinic Leptir)

References

1. Patil N, Rehman A, Anastasopoulou C, et al. Hypothyroidism. [Updated 2024 Feb 18]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519536/
2. Mathew P, Kaur J, Rawla P. Hyperthyroidism. [Updated 2023 Mar 19]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537053/
3. Guo M, Sun Y, Wei Y, Xu J and Zhang C. (2024) Advances in targeted therapy and biomarker research in thyroid cancer. Front. Endocrinol. 15:1372553. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1372553
4. Brčić L, Barić A, Gračan S, Brdar D, Torlak Lovrić V, Vidan N, Zemunik T, Polašek O, Barbalić M, Punda A, Boraska Perica V. (2016): Association of established thyroid peroxidase autoantibody (TPOAb) genetic variants with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Autoimmunity, DOI: 10.1080/08916934.2016.1191475

The post Thyroid Diseases: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment appeared first on InnoThyroGen EU Project.

Through this work package, the consortium defined how key stakeholders clinicians, researchers, patients, industry, public health authorities, and policymakers – will be involved throughout the project to ensure successful development, validation, and implementation of personalised medicine solutions.

Purpose of WP1

The main objective of WP1 was to create a collaborative R&I framework that enables development and adoption of advanced personalised tools for thyroid disease care in Croatia and Serbia.

This includes:

• mapping all relevant stakeholder groups,
• defining engagement methodologies,
• analysing ecosystem barriers and innovation potential,
• developing a joint cross-border R&I strategy.

What has been achieved?

WP1 consisted of four tasks – all successfully delivered.

T1.1 – Stakeholder definition & engagement methodology

Designed a comprehensive stakeholder framework and executed engagement activities including:

• surveys, interviews, and focus groups,
• participatory workshops in Split and Belgrade,
• co-creation processes aligned with real healthcare needs.

T1.2 – Knowledge Base development

Defined the structure, content pathways, and usability design for the InnoThyroGen Knowledge Base, which will include:

• scientific literature and clinical insights,
• regulatory and ethical guidance,
• implementation and infrastructure requirements.

T1.3 – Mapping barriers & opportunities

A full analysis of the two national ecosystems identified:

• unequal access to sequencing infrastructure,
• fragmentation of genomic expertise and HPC capacities,
• gaps in funding exploitation and mobility mechanisms,
• but also strong opportunities for joint growth and synergy.

T1.4 – Joint Cross-Border R&I Strategy

Developed a unified strategic roadmap aligned with:

• EP PerMed SRIA objectives
• Croatian and Serbian Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3)

This supports innovation deployment and future clinical pilots under WP4.

Deliverables submitted under WP1

Why is WP1 important?

WP1 is the foundation on which the entire project will continue to grow. It enables:

• development of the Regional Personalised Medicine Ecosystem (WP2),
• execution of pilot-projects in real clinical settings (WP4),
• structured knowledge transfer and capacity building (WP3),
• continuous engagement of patients and end users (WP6).

By completing WP1, InnoThyroGen is now fully ready to move into its implementation and impact phase.

Stay Connected

Follow us on social media for updates, events, and project news.

The post WP1 Completed: Foundations for Cross-Border Personalised Medicine Excellence appeared first on InnoThyroGen EU Project.

Based on all this information, the doctor will then follow medical guidelines to decide which tests you may need, what should be examined, and what the possible diagnosis could be. Each of these steps is based on previous knowledge gained by studying diseases and how patients respond to different treatments.

Why standard medical approaches are not enough for every patient

However, every patient experiences a disease in their own unique way. A symptom that is typical for a certain condition may not appear in every person. Some patients might have an unusual course of the disease. A treatment that works well for most people may be ineffective for someone else or even cause side effects that make the condition worse.

These differences cannot be fully explained only by what we know about the disease itself; the individual patient needs to be understood and taken into account as well.

Evidence-based medicine and its limitations

Currently, the standard medical approach relies on knowledge gathered from many previous cases, and this approach is known as evidence-based medicine. It assumes that when diseases are studied in large groups of patients, they behave in a similar way: most people respond to the same procedures, and treatments usually lead to predictable results. In other words, disease courses are expected to follow the same general patterns across large patient populations.

What is personalised medicine?

Personalised medicine is an approach that focuses on the individual patient and their unique characteristics in the context of a disease and its treatment. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, famously said that “it is more important to know what sort of person has a disease than to know what sort of disease a person has.”

This idea lies at the heart of personalised medicine: to understand the patient as a whole. This includes factors such as age, sex, weight, ethnicity, psychological and social characteristics, physiological and biochemical traits, environment and, most importantly, the patient’s genome.

Why personalised medicine is especially important for thyroid disorders

Consequently, personalised medicine is especially valuable in treating thyroid dysfunction, a group of conditions that can be complex and highly variable. By taking individual differences into account, personalised medicine can help improve the understanding of risk factors, enhance diagnostic accuracy and support more effective treatment. This approach is important for all patients with thyroid dysfunction, including pregnant women who require additional care and attention.There are two main factors that interact in the development of any disorder: a person’s genes and their environment. Around 70% of the risk for developing autoimmune thyroid disease is linked to genetics. This is why autoimmune diseases often appear repeatedly within the same families.

However, the exact genetic factors that increase the risk of autoimmune disease are still largely unknown. This means that both the external environment (such as exposure to viruses or harmful substances) and the internal environment (such as pregnancy or specific gene changes) also play an important role in triggering the disease in individuals who are genetically predisposed.

Personalised diagnosis in thyroid disorders

Diagnosis cannot rely solely on standard reference ranges. Thyroid hormone levels naturally vary from person to person depending on age, sex, weight, ethnicity, and even the time of day or season of the year.

In addition, it is important to understand each patient’s genetic background to determine whether their predisposition comes from the immune system, the thyroid gland itself, or inherited molecular mechanisms.

Patients also respond differently to environmental influences, so information about lifestyle, psychosocial factors and exposure to toxins can provide valuable insight. Finally, personalised diagnostic approaches can even help predict whether a patient is likely to experience side effects from thyroid medications.

Personalised treatment approaches

Personalised medicine relies on tailoring treatment to each individual patient. For example, in cases of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or after thyroidectomy, researchers are exploring whether new thyroid tissue could one day be created from stem cells. Small-molecule therapies are being developed to specifically target thyroid autoantibodies.

Thyroid hormone replacement can be adjusted based on a patient’s gastrointestinal absorption, deiodinase activity, hormone metabolism and the way their tissues respond. Some patients may require calcitonin replacement after thyroidectomy, while others – especially those with thyrotoxic heart disease — may need real-time monitoring of blood pressure and heart rhythm.

Personalised medicine during pregnancy

Pregnancy is a sensitive period in a woman’s life, and the body goes through many changes. Because of this, personalised medicine would adjust how often thyroid function is checked depending on the trimester. This is important because problems with the mother’s thyroid function or autoimmunity can influence how the baby’s brain develops. Another aim of personalised medicine is to create new treatments that are safe for pregnant women with thyroid problems and do not harm the developing baby.

Benefits of personalised medicine compared to traditional approaches

Compared with traditional evidence-based medicine, personalised medicine looks at the whole person, not just the disease. It tries to understand all factors that may influence a patient’s health, so that treatment can be tailored as precisely as possible. The goal is to prevent disease whenever possible, choose the best therapy from the start instead of trying different options randomly, reduce unwanted side effects and improve the patient’s overall quality of life. In the end, this approach is more focused on the individual and supports better long-term wellbeing.

Author: Vladimir Gašić

References:

1. Sackett D L, Rosenberg W M C, Gray J A M, Haynes R B, Richardson W S. Evidence based medicine: what it is and what it isn’t BMJ 1996; 312 :71 doi:10.1136/bmj.312.7023.71
2. Ferrari SM, Ragusa F, Elia G, Paparo SR, Mazzi V, Baldini E, Benvenga S, Antonelli A, Fallahi P. Precision Medicine in Autoimmune Thyroiditis and Hypothyroidism. Front Pharmacol. 2021 Nov 17;12:750380. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2021.750380. PMID: 34867359; PMCID: PMC8635786.
3. Galofré JC, Díez JJ, Cooper DS. Thyroid dysfunction in the era of precision medicine. Endocrinol Nutr. 2016 Aug-Sep;63(7):354-63. English, Spanish. doi: 10.1016/j.endonu.2016.04.009. Epub 2016 Jun 3. PMID: 27267315.
4. Abrahams E, Silver M. The case for personalized medicine. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2009 Jul 1;3(4):680-4. doi: 10.1177/193229680900300411. PMID: 20144313; PMCID: PMC2769975.

The post What is personalised medicine and why does it matter for thyroid disorders? appeared first on InnoThyroGen EU Project.

On 2 December 2025, the Horizons of Innovation Forum 2025 took place at the Science and Technology Park in Novi Sad, gathering researchers, innovators, policymakers and industry representatives from across the Western Balkans and the EU. The event created a space for regional collaboration and, moreover, encouraged knowledge exchange across different scientific and industrial sectors.
The IMGGE team, represented by Biljana Stanković and Nikola Kotur, took part in the forum and presented the InnoThyroGen project to a broad international audience.

What the Forum Focused On

The forum explored several key themes:

• strengthening cooperation between science and industry
• encouraging the development of innovative solutions
• supporting joint EU-funded project creation
• promoting collaboration through panels, workshops and B2match sessions

Furthermore, participants had the opportunity to discuss future partnerships relevant to regional innovation ecosystems.

InnoThyroGen at the Horizons of Innovation Forum 2025

The IMGGE team showcased the InnoThyroGen consortium, presenting its mission, current goals and long-term relevance for personalised medicine and thyroid research. They also attended several thematic sessions on research, innovation, market strategies and EU project development.
Additionally, the team took part in the workshop on writing successful EU proposals, gaining insight into the evaluation process from the viewpoint of reviewers. This helped strengthen their capacity for future funding opportunities.
In parallel, InnoThyroGen was presented through a dedicated poster, which provided an accessible overview of the project’s approach, activities and expected outcomes.

Strengthening Collaboration Through B2match Activities

B2match sessions were an important part of the forum. During these meetings, the IMGGE representatives connected with potential partners from academic institutions, biotech and deep-tech companies, innovation organisations and EU project consortia.
As a result, they identified opportunities for collaboration, future networking activities and possible participation in new project calls.
This direct engagement also helped disseminate the project’s objectives among stakeholders involved in research and innovation initiatives across the region.

Impact of InnoThyroGen at the Horizons of Innovation Forum 2025

Participation in the event brought several clear benefits:

• increased project visibility among researchers and industry stakeholders
• new contacts for future Horizon Europe and Interreg project proposals
• stronger alignment with regional innovation priorities
• dissemination of project goals to a diverse audience
• improved recognition of InnoThyroGen’s contribution to personalised health research

Consequently, InnoThyroGen at the Horizons of Innovation Forum 2025 marked an important step forward in expanding partnerships and enhancing project impact across the Western Balkans and the EU.

Closing Reflections

The Horizons of Innovation Forum demonstrated how events of this scale can boost cooperation between sectors and encourage long-term scientific and industrial progress. Through active participation, the InnoThyroGen team strengthened its role in regional innovation landscapes and built new pathways for collaboration.

Stay Connected

For more updates on upcoming events and project activities, follow InnoThyroGen on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram. More exciting milestones are ahead.

The post InnoThyroGen at the Horizons of Innovation Forum 2025 in Novi Sad appeared first on InnoThyroGen EU Project.

On 21 November 2025, Split hosted the event “The Science of Life: From Genes to the Planet – Follow-up Activity of the Blue-connect 2.0 Project.”
This activity served as a continuation of the European Researchers’ Night outreach programme.
It brought together high school students eager to learn more about scientific careers, personal development in academia and the value of curiosity in research.
During the session, representatives of the InnoThyroGen project played an active role in inspiring young audiences.

About the Event: InnoThyroGen at The Science of Life Event

The first part of the programme featured Dr. Nikolina Pleić (University of Split School of Medicine) and Lucia Buljac (Faculty of Science, University of Split).
They presented their personal and professional journeys, explaining how their interest in science developed over time. Furthermore, they shared how early passions shaped their academic decisions and career pathways.

The speakers also discussed common challenges faced by young scientists, such as limited opportunities, self-doubt and uncertainty.
In addition, they offered practical advice on persistence, curiosity and staying motivated in demanding academic environments.

Importantly, the session included an accessible introduction to the InnoThyroGen Horizon Europe project.
The project was presented as a relatable example of international scientific collaboration, helping students understand how teams across Europe work together to address important health-related questions.

Panel Discussion: InnoThyroGen at The Science of Life Event Inspires Critical Thinking

The second part of the programme featured a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Andrea Gelemanović (MEFST), also a member of the InnoThyroGen team.
The panel focused on the importance of curiosity, critical thinking and the habit of asking “why” in scientific work.
Moreover, it encouraged students to reflect on how science influences everyday life and how young people can take part in research activities.

This interactive discussion provided students with additional perspectives on the scientific mindset and the value of questioning, analysing and exploring the unknown.

Impact of InnoThyroGen at The Science of Life Event

The event achieved several meaningful results:

• It successfully engaged high school students through authentic stories from young researchers.
• Students gained clearer insight into how scientific careers develop.
• The InnoThyroGen project was presented as an example of EU-funded teamwork and real-world scientific collaboration.
• The panel discussion strengthened understanding of curiosity and critical thinking as essential research skills.
• A short assignment encouraged students to create their own scientific “why” questions, promoting reflection and active participation.
• The event supported the communication and dissemination goals of InnoThyroGen by presenting the project’s aims in a friendly and accessible format.

As a result, InnoThyroGen at The Science of Life event helped reinforce public interest in research and motivated students to consider future opportunities in science.

Conclusion

“The Science of Life” showed how simple stories and open discussions can inspire young people.
By presenting their journeys and introducing the InnoThyroGen project, the speakers made science more approachable.
Therefore, InnoThyroGen at The Science of Life event supported youth engagement and promoted scientific curiosity.

Stay Tuned

Stay tuned for more updates on our outreach activities.
Additionally, follow InnoThyroGen on LinkedIn, X (Twitter), Facebook and Instagram to learn more about future events, research insights and educational initiatives.

The post InnoThyroGen at The Science of Life Event in Split appeared first on InnoThyroGen EU Project.

From 11 to 15 November 2025, Belgrade hosted the 62nd Oncology Congress, one of the leading regional events dedicated to the advancement of oncology, diagnostics and personalized therapy.
The congress gathered medical doctors, researchers, pharmacists, laboratory specialists and many other healthcare professionals.
During this important event, Dr. Branka Zukić from IMGGE represented the InnoThyroGen project and participated over two consecutive days, contributing through both a scientific lecture and a moderated panel discussion.

Day 1: InnoThyroGen at the 62nd Oncology Congress Through a Plenary Lecture

On the first day, Dr. Zukić delivered a lecture titled:
“Integrating Genomic Medicine into Serbia’s Healthcare System: From Pilot Projects to Systemic Transformation.”

During her talk, she emphasized ongoing efforts by Serbian researchers to translate scientific findings into molecular diagnostic methodologies.
These methodologies support precision oncology and personalized therapy, enabling more accurate patient stratification and improved treatment outcomes.
Furthermore, she highlighted the importance of making such advanced diagnostics accessible to all patients in Serbia, ensuring equity in healthcare.

In addition, Dr. Zukić discussed several activities carried out within the InnoThyroGen project. She presented ongoing work on personalized ecosystem mapping and stakeholder identification, both essential for supporting genomic medicine and strengthening the project’s long-term impact.

Impact of the Day 1 Lecture

The lecture helped introduce the InnoThyroGen project to a large audience of oncology-focused professionals.
As a result, several important outcomes were achieved:

• Increased awareness of Serbia’s progress in genomic medicine
• Better understanding of the role that precision diagnostics can play in oncology
• Stronger visibility of InnoThyroGen among clinicians and molecular experts
• Improved recognition of ecosystem mapping as a tool for future healthcare transformation

Consequently, the project’s scientific value and long-term objectives became clearer to national and regional stakeholders.

Day 2: InnoThyroGen at the 62nd Oncology Congress Through a Panel Discussion

On the second day, Dr. Zukić moderated the panel “Innovating Together: When Research Meets Clinical Practice.”
The discussion explored how collaboration between clinicians and researchers can create a more responsive and innovative healthcare system.

Panelists highlighted the importance of embedding research and development directly within clinical settings.
As a result, scientific discoveries can move more quickly into practical use, while clinicians receive tools that genuinely improve their everyday work.
Furthermore, the dialogue pointed out that synergy between research and practice is essential for ensuring continuous improvement in patient outcomes.

Impact of the Day 2 Panel

During the discussion, participants stressed the importance of teamwork and cross-sector cooperation.
Additionally, the panel showcased the InnoThyroGen project as an example of how regional healthcare ecosystem mapping and structured pathways for translation can produce meaningful impact.

Key outcomes included:

• Increased interest in building a strong personalized healthcare ecosystem
• Greater recognition of stakeholder collaboration as a foundation for innovation
• Stronger visibility of EU-funded initiatives as tools for accelerating genomic medicine
• Deeper understanding of InnoThyroGen’s relevance in integrating research and clinical practice

Overall, InnoThyroGen at the 62nd Oncology Congress demonstrated how coordinated efforts can strengthen research capacity and support clinical implementation across the region.

Conclusion

The 62nd Oncology Congress in Belgrade provided an excellent platform for presenting scientific progress and fostering dialogue between clinical and research communities.
Through both her lecture and panel moderation, Dr. Zukić successfully highlighted the importance of genomic medicine, collaboration and long-term ecosystem development.
Therefore, InnoThyroGen at the 62nd Oncology Congress continues to contribute to the transformation of oncology and personalized healthcare in Serbia.

Stay Tuned

Stay tuned for more updates from upcoming scientific events.
Additionally, follow InnoThyroGen on LinkedIn, X (Twitter), Facebook and Instagram for new activities, announcements and research insights.

The post InnoThyroGen at the 62nd Oncology Congress in Belgrade appeared first on InnoThyroGen EU Project.

From 5 to 8 November 2025, the city of Rotterdam hosted the 8th International Congress of the European Society for Pharmacogenomics and Personalised Therapy (ESPT2025).
The congress brought together more than 480 experts, including scientists, healthcare professionals, pharmacists, clinicians, students, regulators and industry representatives.
During this important scientific event, Dr. Branka Zukić from IMGGE represented the InnoThyroGen project and contributed to raising its visibility across the European pharmacogenomics community.

About the Event: InnoThyroGen at ESPT2025

ESPT2025 focused on both current developments and future directions in pharmacogenomics and personalised medicine.
The programme covered a wide range of topics, including clinical implementation, psychiatry, oncology, cardiology, diabetes, pediatrics, transplantation, regulatory challenges, liquid biopsy, and decision-support tools.
In addition, the congress highlighted innovations in genotyping technologies and national initiatives that support personalised therapy.

Because of its multidisciplinary structure, the event created an ideal environment for collaboration between basic, clinical and translational researchers. Furthermore, it helped connect scientists with regulators and industry stakeholders.

IMGGE Presents InnoThyroGen at ESPT2025

During the congress, Dr. Branka Zukić presented a poster titled:
“Population Pharmacogenomics for Clinical Implementation in Serbia: Insights from the PharmGenHUB Study.”

Her presentation offered valuable insights into population-level pharmacogenomics and its potential application in clinical practice.
Furthermore, she used the opportunity to introduce participants to the goals, activities and scientific direction of the InnoThyroGen project.
As a result, the project reached a highly relevant audience of experts working in fields closely linked to personalised medicine and genomic research.

Impact of InnoThyroGen at ESPT2025

The event delivered several important outcomes for the project:

• More than 480 international participants learned about InnoThyroGen.
• Direct discussions increased awareness of the project’s aims and future activities.
• Stakeholders gained a clearer understanding of the project’s contribution to personalised medicine.
• Networking strengthened links between InnoThyroGen and leading European pharmacogenomics researchers.
• The congress supported wider dissemination of InnoThyroGen across scientific, clinical and regulatory communities.

Consequently, InnoThyroGen at ESPT2025 significantly improved project visibility and reinforced its relevance in Europe’s personalised medicine ecosystem.

Conclusion

ESPT2025 proved to be a valuable platform for scientific exchange and collaboration.
Through active participation, Dr. Zukić expanded awareness of the project and opened new opportunities for dialogue across clinical, academic and regulatory sectors.
In this way, InnoThyroGen at ESPT2025 supports continued progress in personalised therapy and strengthens the project’s role within the European pharmacogenomics landscape.

Stay Tuned

Stay tuned for more updates from upcoming scientific events.
Follow InnoThyroGen on LinkedIn, X (Twitter), Facebook and Instagram for the latest news, activities and research insights.

The post InnoThyroGen at ESPT2025: Advancing Pharmacogenomics in Rotterdam appeared first on InnoThyroGen EU Project.

From 27 to 29 October 2025, Belgrade hosted the AI 4 Life: Biotech Future Forum, a major regional event focused on the future of AI, biotechnology and personalised medicine.
The forum gathered over 1,000 participants from more than 20 countries. Moreover, the event created a space where scientists, startups, policymakers and international organisations could connect and exchange ideas.
The Office for IT and eGovernment / C4IR Serbia organised the forum and invited the InnoThyroGen team to take part.

About the Event: InnoThyroGen at the AI 4 Life Biotech Future Forum

The forum highlighted Europe’s progress in combining AI technologies with modern biomedicine. In addition, it showcased new tools, regulatory innovation and trends shaping the biotech landscape in Southeast Europe.
Visitors were able to stop by the InnoThyroGen stand, explore project materials and learn more about how the initiative supports the development of personalised diagnostics for thyroid health. Furthermore, the stand served as a central point for discussions with experts and innovators.

Showcasing InnoThyroGen at the AI 4 Life Biotech Future Forum

InnoThyroGen had a dedicated exhibition space throughout the three-day event. As a result, many participants engaged directly with project team members. Flyers, brochures and badges were distributed, which helped increase visibility.
On the second day, project representative Dr. Branka Zukić joined the Bioeconomy Workshop – Regulatory Challenge Day. During this session, she presented the project and explained how InnoThyroGen addresses scientific and regulatory challenges in integrating AI with biotechnology. Additionally, her participation strengthened dialogue on future innovation in personalised medicine.

Impact of InnoThyroGen at the AI 4 Life Biotech Future Forum

The event delivered several important outcomes.
Firstly, the project reached more than 1,000 visitors, significantly expanding public awareness.
Secondly, interactions at the stand supported networking with potential collaborators. Consequently, new opportunities for cooperation emerged.
Thirdly, participation in the workshop increased the project’s scientific visibility and supported the dissemination of key objectives and results.
Overall, InnoThyroGen at the AI 4 Life Biotech Future Forum strengthened regional and international engagement.

Conclusion

The AI 4 Life: Biotech Future Forum proved to be a valuable platform for presenting the project to a diverse audience. Furthermore, the event enabled the team to exchange ideas, showcase scientific progress and build new partnerships. As a result, InnoThyroGen at the AI 4 Life Biotech Future Forum plays an important role in supporting innovation at the intersection of AI, biotechnology and thyroid health.

Stay Tuned

Stay tuned for more updates. In addition, follow InnoThyroGen on LinkedIn, X (Twitter), Facebook and Instagram for upcoming activities, events and research insights.

The post InnoThyroGen at the AI 4 Life: Biotech Future Forum in Belgrade appeared first on InnoThyroGen EU Project.

On 9 October 2025, the city of Belgrade hosted the 4th National Oncological Forum, an event dedicated to improving cancer care and strengthening dialogue between healthcare professionals, patient organisations and policymakers.
The Forum of Patients of Serbia (FPS), a partner in the InnoThyroGen project, actively participated and presented project materials to raise awareness of the initiative among the wider public.

About the Event: InnoThyroGen at the 4th National Oncological Forum

This year’s forum brought together experts from oncology, pulmonology, radiology, haematology and preventive medicine.
The event focused on reducing cancer mortality in Serbia by improving diagnostics, accelerating access to modern therapies and strengthening prevention.

Representatives of patient organisations took part as well. Their contribution provided a broader perspective on the daily challenges patients face and the importance of including patient voices in healthcare reform.

FPS Contribution: Presenting InnoThyroGen at the 4th National Oncological Forum

FPS presented InnoThyroGen project materials, including banners and leaflets.
This helped inform visitors about the project’s goals and highlighted the importance of patient involvement in research and innovation.

By engaging with healthcare professionals and the public, FPS showed how patient organisations can support scientific initiatives and create stronger links between clinical practice and new research approaches.

Impact of InnoThyroGen at the 4th National Oncological Forum

Around 100 participants learned about the InnoThyroGen project during the event.
As a result, several important outcomes were achieved:

• Increased visibility of InnoThyroGen within the medical and patient community
• Greater recognition of FPS as an active Horizon Europe partner
• Stronger connections between researchers, patient associations and decision-makers
• Reinforced understanding of the need for patient participation in future scientific and clinical efforts

Through these activities, InnoThyroGen at the 4th National Oncological Forum strengthened its reach and promoted collaboration between scientific and patient communities.

Conclusion

The forum demonstrated how meaningful cooperation between medical experts and patient organisations can drive progress in oncology. FPS helped bring the InnoThyroGen project closer to the public and highlighted the role of patient engagement in modern research.
In this way, InnoThyroGen at the 4th National Oncological Forum contributed to a broader understanding of personalised medicine and future healthcare improvements.

Stay Tuned

Stay tuned for more project updates. Follow InnoThyroGen on LinkedIn, X (Twitter), Facebook and Instagram to keep up with upcoming events, activities and scientific results.

The post InnoThyroGen at the 4th National Oncological Forum in Belgrade appeared first on InnoThyroGen EU Project.

On 26 September 2025, the European Researchers’ Night took place simultaneously across Europe, including events in Split (Croatia) and Belgrade (Serbia).
This large public outreach initiative brought science closer to society and encouraged dialogue between researchers and citizens.

Through active participation in both cities, InnoThyroGen successfully engaged the general public, students, healthcare professionals and potential stakeholders.
At the same time, the event highlighted the societal value of EU-funded research and personalised medicine.

European Researchers’ Night in Split: Presenting InnoThyroGen to the Public

At the European Researchers’ Night in Split, Dr. Nikolina Pleić presented the InnoThyroGen project to a diverse audience.
Participants included members of the general public, students, clinicians and other interested stakeholders.

Firstly, the presentation explained why personalised medicine is essential for improving the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid diseases.
Dr. Pleić then introduced the project partners and described how the consortium was formed.
Importantly, she emphasised the project’s interdisciplinary nature, combining clinical endocrinology, molecular biology, data science and biotechnology.

In addition, the audience received a clear overview of the project’s main objectives and work packages.
Visitors also learned about current progress, completed activities and dissemination efforts carried out so far.

Engaging the Audience and Opening the Research Process in Split

Beyond scientific content, Dr. Pleić highlighted the educational and training opportunities offered by InnoThyroGen.
These included the project’s summer school and other activities designed for students, young researchers and clinicians.

Moreover, the presentation sparked a lively Q&A session.
Audience members asked about how the project was written, how consortia are built, and what support researchers receive when applying for EU funding.
Many visitors also wanted to know how they could personally participate.

As a result, Dr. Pleić explained opportunities for student involvement and the importance of patient participation in the InnoThyroGen biobank.
Overall, the Split event significantly increased public awareness and strengthened trust in scientific research.

European Researchers’ Night in Belgrade: Reaching All Generations

At the same time, the Group for Molecular Biomedicine participated in the European Researchers’ Night in Belgrade.
Their activities had a strong outreach impact and reached visitors of all age groups.

Adult visitors showed great interest in the InnoThyroGen project and its focus on personalised treatment of thyroid diseases.
Many of them were already aware that thyroid treatment is currently similar for all patients and often requires long adjustment periods.
Therefore, they were eager to learn how personalised medicine could improve outcomes and expressed interest in following InnoThyroGen’s future work.

Meanwhile, younger visitors learned about personalised medicine through interactive games and activities.
At the same time, parents and teachers discussed the project with researchers, further strengthening public engagement.

Impact of InnoThyroGen at the European Researchers’ Night

Participation in the European Researchers’ Night delivered strong results in both cities:

• Increased visibility of InnoThyroGen among the general public
• Effective communication of complex science in accessible language
• Strong engagement with students and early-career researchers
• New interest in training activities, including the InnoThyroGen summer school
• Greater awareness among patients about contributing to the project biobank
• Valuable feedback that supports future dissemination and stakeholder engagement

Consequently, InnoThyroGen at the European Researchers’ Night strengthened outreach, enhanced societal impact and supported long-term project sustainability.

Conclusion

The European Researchers’ Night in Split and Belgrade demonstrated the power of direct interaction between science and society.
By opening the research process and encouraging dialogue, InnoThyroGen successfully connected with diverse audiences and highlighted the real-world importance of personalised medicine.

Therefore, InnoThyroGen at the European Researchers’ Night represents a key milestone in bringing thyroid research closer to the community and building trust in EU-funded scientific initiatives.

Stay Connected

Stay tuned for more outreach activities and project updates.
Follow InnoThyroGen on LinkedIn, X (Twitter), Facebook and Instagram to learn how you can get involved.

The post InnoThyroGen at the European Researchers’ Night 2025: Connecting Science and Society appeared first on InnoThyroGen EU Project.