The InnoThyroGen project will host an upcoming online webinar titled “Step-by-step systematic reviews: Turning questions into reliable evidence”, delivered by Andrea Gelemanović, PhD (University of Split School of Medicine).

The webinar will take place on 6 May 2026 at 14:00 (CEST) and is open to researchers, students, and all interested participants.

From research questions to reliable evidence

The session will provide a structured overview of the key steps involved in designing and conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Participants will gain insights into how to formulate precise research questions, develop comprehensive search strategies, assess study quality, and synthesise findings into robust, evidence-based conclusions.

Tools, frameworks, and common challenges

In addition, the webinar will introduce widely used tools and frameworks such as PROSPERO, PRISMA, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, while also addressing common challenges including publication bias and reproducibility.

Supporting knowledge sharing within InnoThyroGen

Originally delivered as part of the internal InnoThyroGen workshop series, this webinar is now being made available to a broader audience in order to support knowledge sharing and strengthen research capacity in the field of evidence-based medicine.

👉 Register here: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/1fe00d6d-e6ab-4847-b0cb-f54a73a727d9@87a0831f-e02e-499b-9c7f-1eabc7c9c06b

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On 20 April 2026, Split hosted a public event focused on thyroid health titled:
“Modern diagnostics and treatment of the most common thyroid diseases”, followed by a round table “Thyroid: Your Energy Control Centre.”

The event was organised by the Academy of Medical Sciences of Croatia – Split Branch (AMZH Split) in co-organisation with the Croatian Medical Association – Split Branch (HLZ Split) and the Centre for Culture and Lifelong Learning “Zlatna vrata”.

It brought together healthcare professionals, researchers, students, patient representatives and the general public.
At the same time, the event aimed to raise awareness of thyroid diseases and promote personalised approaches to treatment.

From Lecture to Round Table: A Structured Programme

The programme began with a public lecture organised by AMZH Split in collaboration with HLZ Split and “Zlatna vrata”.

Firstly, Assist. Prof. Dubravka Brdar delivered a lecture on modern diagnostics and treatment of thyroid diseases.
She explained current clinical approaches, from laboratory testing to imaging and therapy options.
In addition, she highlighted the importance of personalised medicine and the role of genetics in treatment decisions.

Following the lecture, the event continued with a round table “Thyroid: Your Energy Control Centre.”
This discussion was organised as part of the Festival of Science 2026 in collaboration with:

• Academy of Medical Sciences of Croatia – Split Branch
• Teaching Institute of Public Health of Split-Dalmatia County
• Faculty of Health Studies, University of Split
• University of Split School of Medicine

Bringing Together Experts and Stakeholders

The round table gathered experts and stakeholders from different fields, including clinicians, researchers and patient representatives.

The discussion featured:

• Assist. Prof. Dubravka Brdar, MD, PhD (KBC Split)
• Prof. Tatijana Zemunik, MD, PhD (University of Split School of Medicine)
• Dr. Nikolina Pleić (University of Split School of Medicine)
• Volga Družijanić (patient representative)

The session was moderated by: Assoc. Prof. Anamarija Jurčev Savičević, MD, PhD (Teaching Institute of Public Health of Split-Dalmatia County)

Participants discussed key topics such as early detection, treatment pathways and public awareness.
Moreover, the discussion created space for open exchange between science, healthcare and society.
As a result, it encouraged dialogue and mutual understanding.

Raising Awareness Through Public Engagement

The event also received media attention and reached a wider audience beyond the venue itself.
This is especially important because thyroid diseases affect a significant portion of the population.

By presenting scientific knowledge in an accessible way, the event helped citizens better understand their own health.
At the same time, it encouraged early diagnosis and proactive health management.

Impact of InnoThyroGen Thyroid Event Split

The event delivered several important outcomes:

• increased awareness of thyroid health among the general public
• stronger knowledge exchange between healthcare professionals and researchers
• promotion of personalised medicine and genetic approaches
• improved visibility of the InnoThyroGen project at the local level
• engagement of multiple stakeholder groups

Consequently, InnoThyroGen thyroid event Split supported both dissemination and public engagement objectives.

Conclusion

The Split thyroid event successfully combined expert knowledge with public engagement.
Through lectures and discussion, it highlighted both challenges and opportunities in thyroid care.

As a result, InnoThyroGen thyroid event Split represents an important step toward better awareness, earlier diagnosis and more personalised treatment.

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On 19 March 2026, the Forum of Patients of Serbia (FPS) organised a co-design workshop in Belgrade titled:
“The Patient Journey in Thyroid Diseases – From Diagnosis to Treatment.”

The workshop gathered patients, healthcare professionals, researchers and stakeholders to discuss real-life challenges in thyroid disease management.
At the same time, the event aimed to strengthen dialogue and improve healthcare practices through a personalised medicine approach.

InnoThyroGen Co-Design Workshop Belgrade: A Structured Dialogue

The workshop followed a structured programme that combined patient experiences with clinical and scientific perspectives.

Firstly, participants shared their personal journeys, focusing on early symptoms, the path to diagnosis and treatment challenges.
Secondly, medical experts presented the clinical perspective, highlighting system limitations and opportunities for improvement.

Finally, a joint discussion allowed participants to identify key gaps and explore possible solutions.
This format ensured that both patient voices and expert knowledge were equally represented.

Key Challenges in the Patient Journey

Several important challenges were identified during the discussion:

• long waiting times for diagnosis and specialist consultations
• limited access to endocrinologists, especially outside major cities
• delays in achieving stable and effective therapy

These issues clearly show the need for more efficient healthcare pathways and better coordination within the system.

Early Detection and the Role of Primary Healthcare

Participants emphasised the importance of early diagnosis and prevention.
In addition, they highlighted the role of primary healthcare in recognising symptoms and guiding patients toward specialist care.

Moreover, there is a strong need for improved public awareness and education.
Screening initiatives, such as thyroid ultrasound campaigns, were identified as highly effective and in demand.

Personalised Medicine and the Role of InnoThyroGen

A key part of the discussion focused on genetics and personalised medicine.
Participants recognised the potential of genetic testing for earlier detection, risk assessment and tailored treatment approaches.

Importantly, the planned pilot genetic test within the InnoThyroGen project was highlighted as a major step forward.
This initiative supports the transition toward more personalised and precise healthcare solutions.

Patient Perspective and Support Systems

The workshop also highlighted the importance of patient involvement in healthcare decision-making.
In addition, the role of patient organisations and psychological support was recognised as essential.

These elements contribute to better treatment outcomes and improved quality of life for patients.
Therefore, strengthening patient support systems remains a key priority.

From Discussion to Recommendations

Based on the exchange, several practical recommendations were identified:

• improve access to specialist care and reduce waiting times
• strengthen the role of primary healthcare in early detection
• enhance public and patient education
• develop preventive programmes and screening initiatives
• support the use of genetic testing for personalised treatment
• involve patients more actively in decision-making
• improve data collection and healthcare registries

These recommendations provide a clear roadmap for future improvements in thyroid disease management.

Impact of InnoThyroGen Co-Design Workshop Belgrade

The workshop delivered strong results across several areas:

• valuable insights into real patient experiences
• clear identification of system-level challenges
• practical recommendations for improving healthcare pathways
• increased visibility of the InnoThyroGen project
• strengthened collaboration between patients, clinicians and researchers

In addition, the event achieved significant media coverage, with multiple online publications highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and personalised medicine.

Consequently, InnoThyroGen co-design workshop Belgrade contributed directly to stakeholder engagement, dissemination and long-term project impact.

Conclusion

The Belgrade co-design workshop demonstrated the value of combining patient experience with clinical expertise.
Through open dialogue and structured discussion, the event identified key challenges and proposed actionable solutions.

As a result, InnoThyroGen co-design workshop Belgrade represents an important step toward more patient-centred and personalised approaches in thyroid healthcare.

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On 7 March 2026, the Split Riva hosted the public science event Znanost u prolazu.
The event was organised by the Association Znanost u prolazu with support from the European initiative Science Comes to Town 2026.

It aimed to bring science closer to citizens through short talks and direct interaction with researchers.
As a result, visitors of all ages had the opportunity to engage with science in an open and accessible way.

InnoThyroGen at Znanost u prolazu: Explaining Science in Everyday Language

At the event, Dr. Nikolina Pleić and Dr. Andrea Gelemanović from MEFST represented the InnoThyroGen project.
They delivered short lectures designed for a general audience, focusing on how modern science helps us understand health and disease.

Firstly, Dr. Pleić presented “How Statistics and Genetics Help Us Understand Thyroid Disease.”
She explained how large datasets, including hormonal, clinical and genetic data, are analysed using modern statistical methods.
In addition, she showed how these approaches help detect disease patterns, estimate individual risk and support personalised treatment.

Moreover, she connected these concepts directly to the InnoThyroGen project, making complex research easier to understand.

From Data to Discovery: A Second Perspective

In the second lecture, Dr. Andrea Gelemanović presented “Hidden Patterns of Health and Disease.”
She focused on how bioinformatics and computational biology reveal molecular patterns linked to ageing and chronic conditions.

Furthermore, she explained how combining biological data with advanced analytics can support earlier diagnosis.
At the same time, this approach enables more personalised prevention strategies.

As a result, the audience gained a clearer understanding of how data-driven science is shaping modern healthcare.

Open Dialogue and Public Engagement

One of the key strengths of the event was direct interaction between scientists and citizens.
Visitors asked questions, shared their perspectives and engaged in informal discussions with researchers.

This open format helped break down barriers between science and the public.
In addition, it showed that complex topics such as genomics and personalised medicine can be communicated in a simple and relatable way.

Impact of InnoThyroGen at Znanost u prolazu

Participation in the event delivered several important outcomes:

• increased visibility of the InnoThyroGen project among the general public
• improved understanding of genomics, data science and personalised medicine
• strong engagement with citizens of all age groups
• direct communication between researchers and the public
• promotion of science as accessible and relevant to everyday life

Consequently, InnoThyroGen at Znanost u prolazu contributed to strengthening public trust in science and raising awareness of modern healthcare approaches.

Conclusion

Znanost u prolazu successfully demonstrated how science can be brought out of the laboratory and into public spaces.
Through clear communication and open dialogue, the event connected research with everyday life.

Therefore, InnoThyroGen at Znanost u prolazu represents an important step in promoting scientific literacy and public engagement.

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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

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From 28 to 29 January 2026, London hosted the 11th edition of The Festival of Genomics & Biodata, one of the leading global events in genomics and data-driven healthcare.
The festival brought together scientists, clinicians, industry representatives and innovators from around the world.

During this event, Marina Jelovac (IMGGE) represented the InnoThyroGen project and contributed to its international visibility.

InnoThyroGen at the Festival of Genomics and Biodata: Scientific Contribution

As part of the scientific programme, Marina Jelovac presented a poster titled:
“Actionable Pharmacogenomics Landscape of the Serbian Population.”

Her work focused on pharmacogenomics and its potential to support personalised medicine.
In addition, the presentation highlighted how population-specific data can improve treatment decisions and patient outcomes.

Furthermore, the poster provided an opportunity to introduce the InnoThyroGen project to a highly relevant audience working in genomics and precision healthcare.

Exploring Trends in Modern Biomedical Research

The festival covered a wide range of topics across the life sciences.
For example, sessions addressed genomic medicine, patient stratification, drug discovery, AI and multiomics.

Therefore, participants were able to explore current trends and future directions in personalised healthcare.
At the same time, the event created space for exchanging ideas and building new collaborations.

Impact of InnoThyroGen at the Festival of Genomics and Biodata

Participation in the festival led to several important outcomes:

• increased visibility of the InnoThyroGen project within the international scientific community
• direct discussions with researchers and professionals from various disciplines
• sharing of project materials and key objectives with a global audience
• stronger positioning of InnoThyroGen within the fields of genomics and personalised medicine

Moreover, Marina Jelovac engaged in conversations about ongoing project activities and future plans.
As a result, new connections were established with potential collaborators and stakeholders.

Connecting with a Global Audience

The festival attracted a highly diverse audience.
Participants included scientists, healthcare professionals, pharmacists, clinicians, students, regulators and industry experts.

Because of this diversity, the event provided a unique opportunity to present the project to different sectors.
In turn, this helped strengthen cross-disciplinary understanding and collaboration.

Conclusion

The Festival of Genomics & Biodata in London provided an excellent platform for sharing knowledge and building international connections.
Through active participation and scientific presentation, InnoThyroGen at the Festival of Genomics and Biodata strengthened its global presence and supported ongoing collaboration in personalised medicine.

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On 30 January 2026, Zagreb hosted the co-design workshop “Thyroid – Small Organ, Big Questions: Open Discussion with Medical Experts.”
The event was organised by the Croatian Thyroid Disease Association (HUBS) as part of the InnoThyroGen project.

The workshop brought together patients, association members, healthcare professionals, media representatives and the wider public.
Its main goal was to encourage open dialogue and strengthen the role of patients in modern healthcare.

Exploring Thyroid Health from Multiple Perspectives

The programme combined expert knowledge with real-world patient experience.
Firstly, participants attended a series of lectures covering key aspects of thyroid disease and its management.

The topics included:

• modern technologies in thyroid surgery
• thyroid disorders during pregnancy
• patient support and primary healthcare involvement
• the InnoThyroGen Horizon Europe project

These presentations helped participants better understand both clinical and research perspectives.
Moreover, they showed how different disciplines contribute to improved diagnosis and treatment.

InnoThyroGen Co-Design Workshop Zagreb: Expert Contributions

Several experts shared their knowledge during the event.
Doc. dr. sc. Krešimir Gršić presented advances in thyroid surgery and explained how new technologies improve outcomes.
Prof. dr. sc. Tomislav Jukić focused on thyroid diseases in pregnancy and highlighted the importance of early diagnosis.

In addition, Dr. Jelena Pukšić Haubrih discussed patient support and the role of primary care.
Finally, Dr. Nikolina Pleić introduced the InnoThyroGen project, explaining its goals, structure and current progress.

As a result, participants gained a clear overview of both medical practice and ongoing research activities.

Interactive Discussion and Patient Engagement

After the lectures, the workshop moved into an open discussion format.
Participants actively engaged with the speakers, asked questions and shared their own experiences.

This interaction was especially important because it allowed direct exchange between patients and experts.
Furthermore, it helped identify real concerns and expectations from the patient perspective.

In addition, all attendees completed a survey on personalised medicine.
This activity provided valuable insights into patient awareness and attitudes toward personalised healthcare.

Impact of the InnoThyroGen Co-Design Workshop Zagreb

The workshop delivered several important outcomes:

• increased awareness of thyroid diseases and personalised medicine
• stronger engagement between patients and healthcare professionals
• valuable feedback collected through the survey
• improved visibility of the InnoThyroGen project
• new opportunities for future research and collaboration

Additionally, the presence of OTV Television helped extend the event’s reach and further raise public awareness.

Consequently, InnoThyroGen co-design workshop Zagreb contributed to both dissemination and stakeholder engagement goals.

Why Co-Design Matters in Modern Healthcare

Co-design workshops play a key role in bridging the gap between research and real-life patient needs.
By involving patients directly, projects like InnoThyroGen can better understand challenges and expectations.

Moreover, this approach supports the development of solutions that are not only scientifically sound but also practical and relevant.
Therefore, events like this strengthen trust and improve long-term healthcare outcomes.

Conclusion

The Zagreb co-design workshop successfully combined expert knowledge with patient perspectives.
Through open discussion and active participation, the event created a space for learning, exchange and collaboration.

As a result, InnoThyroGen co-design workshop Zagreb represents an important step in building patient-centred, personalised approaches to thyroid healthcare.

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On 23–24 January 2026, the city of Split hosted the grand opening of the European initiative “Science Comes to Town.”
This Horizon Europe WIDERA project connects cities such as Kiel, Brest and Split.
Its main goal is to strengthen public trust in science and encourage citizen engagement.

During this event, the InnoThyroGen project actively participated in activities designed for the general public.
As a result, science became more accessible, interactive and easier to understand.

InnoThyroGen at Science Comes to Town: Engaging All Generations

The event welcomed a diverse audience, including children, students and adults interested in health and innovation.
Visitors explored scientific concepts through simple explanations and interactive activities.

Firstly, participants learned about genetics and personalised medicine.
In addition, researchers explained how lifestyle choices affect health and wellbeing.
Importantly, the sessions showed how genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors work together.

Furthermore, visitors discovered how modern technologies enable more precise diagnostics and treatments.
This helped them understand how science directly impacts everyday life.

Making Personalised Medicine Easy to Understand

A key focus of the event was explaining complex topics in a clear and accessible way.
Therefore, the InnoThyroGen team presented personalised medicine as something practical and relevant.

Visitors were encouraged to think about their own health decisions.
At the same time, they learned how research contributes to better prevention and treatment.
Moreover, the sessions highlighted the importance of active participation in health management.

As a result, many participants gained a new perspective on how science can support healthier lives.

Usage & Results: Impact of InnoThyroGen at Science Comes to Town

Participation in the event delivered several important outcomes:

• Increased awareness of the InnoThyroGen project among the general public
• Improved understanding of genetics and personalised medicine
• Stronger connection between researchers and citizens
• Encouragement for active involvement in personal health management
• Higher visibility among potential future research participants and stakeholders

Consequently, InnoThyroGen at Science Comes to Town supported both outreach and long-term engagement goals.

Building Trust Through Interaction

Direct interaction played a key role throughout the event.
Visitors had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss topics with researchers.
This, in turn, helped build trust and confidence in scientific work.

Moreover, such events create a bridge between research and society.
They show that science is not distant, but rather part of everyday life.

Conclusion

The “Science Comes to Town” initiative successfully brought science closer to citizens in Split.
Through interactive learning and open dialogue, the event strengthened understanding and interest in modern research.
Therefore, InnoThyroGen at Science Comes to Town contributed to promoting scientific literacy and public engagement across all age groups.

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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.

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On 8 December 2025, representatives of the InnoThyroGen project attended the UK Biobank Scientific Conference 2025 in London.
Dr. Nikolina Pleić and Dr. Andrea Gelemanović participated in the event to gain direct insight into one of the most advanced biobank systems in the world.

The conference brought together researchers, clinicians, data scientists and biobank experts.
Moreover, it provided a valuable platform for understanding how large-scale population cohorts are designed, managed and used in modern biomedical research.

Key Insights from the UK Biobank: InnoThyroGen at the UK Biobank Scientific Conference 2025

During the conference, special attention was given to the organisation and structure of the UK Biobank.
Participants explored how biological samples and data are collected, stored and harmonised across different research domains.

In addition, sessions focused on data access procedures and governance models.
These elements are crucial for ensuring both scientific usability and ethical compliance.
Furthermore, the integration of clinical, genomic and population-level data was presented as a key strength of the UK Biobank system.

As a result, the InnoThyroGen team gained practical knowledge directly applicable to their own biobank development.

From Knowledge to Practice: Strengthening the InnoThyroGen Biobank

The experience from London will now support the next phase of the InnoThyroGen biobank.
Firstly, the project will use these insights to optimise its biobank structure and organisation.
Secondly, improvements will be made in data governance and analytical workflows.

Moreover, aligning with UK Biobank best practices will help ensure compatibility with international standards.
This is particularly important for enabling collaboration and data sharing with other large-scale cohorts.

Impact of InnoThyroGen at the UK Biobank Scientific Conference 2025

Participation in the conference delivered several concrete outcomes:

• Improved understanding of large-scale biobank management
• Enhanced knowledge of data harmonisation and integration
• Stronger alignment with international biobanking standards
• Better preparation for long-term sustainability of the InnoThyroGen biobank
• Opportunities to use UK Biobank resources for complementary analyses

Consequently, InnoThyroGen at the UK Biobank Scientific Conference 2025 will contribute to higher-quality research outputs and more robust data infrastructure.

Expanding Scientific Potential Through Collaboration

In addition to organisational insights, the conference opened new perspectives for scientific collaboration.
Access to UK Biobank data can support comparative analyses and strengthen research findings.
Furthermore, it enables the project to position itself within a broader European and global research ecosystem.

This approach supports translational research and helps bridge the gap between data and clinical application.

Conclusion

The UK Biobank Scientific Conference 2025 offered valuable insight into the future of biomedical research and data-driven healthcare.
By learning from established best practices, the InnoThyroGen team is better equipped to build a strong, sustainable and internationally aligned biobank.
Therefore, InnoThyroGen at the UK Biobank Scientific Conference 2025 represents an important step in advancing the project’s scientific and infrastructural capacity.

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The post InnoThyroGen at the UK Biobank Scientific Conference 2025 in London appeared first on InnoThyroGen EU Project.