Kick-Off Meeting for the InnoThyroGen Project Successfully Held in Split
The InnoThyroGen Project officially kicked off in Split on February 3 and 4, 2025, with a two-day meeting that brought together experts from Croatia and Serbia to advance innovation in thyroid health. Funded through the HORIZON-WIDERA-2023-ACCESS-07 program, this international initiative focuses on developing cutting-edge approaches for diagnosing and treating thyroid diseases. By leveraging the latest advancements in genomics, pharmacogenomics, and artificial intelligence, the project aims to revolutionize personalized medicine in endocrinology.
Beyond a formal introduction, the meeting set the foundation for meaningful collaboration. Participants exchanged expertise, outlined project goals, and determined key steps toward innovative healthcare solutions.
Laying the Groundwork – From Idea to Implementation
The conference room buzzed with discussions spanning multiple scientific fields, including genetics, clinical medicine, informatics, and biotechnology. Each partner presented their role, highlighting how their expertise would contribute to the interdisciplinary approach.
Representatives of all partner organizations took part in the meeting: University of Split – School of Medicine (MEFST) (https://mefst.unist.hr/), Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering (IMGGE) (https://www.imgge.bg.ac.rs/en/), Teaching Institute of Public Health of Split-Dalmatia County (TIPH) (https://nzjz-split.hr/), Office for Information Technologies and eGovernment (OITE) (https://c4ir.rs/), Clinical Hospital Center Split (KBC Split) (https://www.kbsplit.hr/), National Association for Improving the Position of Patients – Patient Forum of Serbia (FPS) (https://forumpacijenata.rs/), Croatian Association for Thyroid Diseases (HUBS) (https://stitnjaca.eu/), Persida DOO Belgrade-Palilula (Persida) (https://www.persida-bio.com/), Polyclinic Leptir (PL) (https://www.poliklinika-leptir.hr/), Konistra d.o.o. (Konistra) (https://www.konistra.hr/), Labena d.o.o. (Labena) (https://labena.hr/), Sharp Agency d.o.o. for Software Programming (Sharp Agency), and University of Split, Faculty of Science (PMF) (https://www.pmfst.unist.hr/).
Each partner offers a distinct perspective. Their contributions range from medical expertise and clinical research to advanced bioinformatics and software development.
How Will InnoThyroGen Project Improve Healthcare?
A primary objective of the project is to develop innovative genetic panels that enable more precise diagnoses and personalized treatments. Genomic analysis, when combined with electronic health records and artificial intelligence, has the potential to transform thyroid disease management.
The project will focus on several key areas:
✔ Advanced diagnostics – Next-generation sequencing (NGS) and polygenic risk scores (PRS) will provide a more accurate assessment of thyroid disease risk. ✔ Personalized therapy – Pharmacogenomics will enable tailored treatments based on individual genetic profiles, minimizing side effects and improving efficacy. ✔ Artificial intelligence integration – Predictive algorithms will enhance early detection and disease management.
More Than a Meeting – Building a Community of Experts
Beyond presentations and structured planning, the kick-off meeting fostered personal connections and strengthened teamwork. During breaks and informal discussions, partners exchanged experiences, debated challenges, and shared innovative ideas for the project’s future.
One participant captured the meeting’s spirit with a simple yet powerful statement:
“This is not just a project – it marks the start of a vital collaboration that could bring real change to healthcare systems.”
Such enthusiasm and commitment from all partners ensure that the project is moving in the right direction. With a strong focus on innovation, the initiative promises to deliver tangible benefits for patients.
What’s Next for InnoThyroGen Project?
Following the successful kick-off, project teams have commenced the first phase of research and data collection. Over the next few months, the initial prototypes of digital tools will be developed, while genetic panel testing will begin in collaboration with clinical institutions.
Project updates and key findings will be regularly published on the official website https://www.innothyrogen.eu/ and across communication channels.
Follow the InnoThyroGen Project and stay informed about the latest innovations shaping the future of endocrinology!
