Thermomind, the coordinator of the ThermoBreast project, is an Israeli–based company specialising in the development of innovative technology for breast cancer screening. They are working on providing the most advanced, efficient, and cost–effective solutions to help tackle this global issue. Their products and technologies utilise multiple imaging modalities including thermography, digital mammography, and ultrasound to detect and diagnose breast cancer early and to make breast cancer screening more accessible and reliable, so that more women can be diagnosed in the early stages of the disease when it is easier to treat. ThermoMind are committed to continuing to develop new and improved technologies that will benefit the global healthcare community and help save lives.
Role within ThermoBreast
ThermoMind are the coordinating partner of the ThermoBreast project, they are also in the lead for the work packages Management (coordination, networking, project and innovation management), Design (patient needs, clinical, regulatory and other requirements and technical specifications) and Device (breast thermo-imaging technology for prevention and monitoring).
Technion, Faculty of Computer Science is a top–ranked research institution in Israel, dedicated to advancing the field of computer science through cutting–edge research and education. The faculty has developed a wide range of research projects in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, software engineering, computer networks, and more. The faculty also offers a wide range of courses, allowing students to gain the necessary knowledge and skills for their research. The faculty strongly encourages its students to be creative and innovative, and to develop the necessary skills to become a successful professional in the field of computer science.
TUM brings significant expertise in optoacoustic imaging, having developed prototypes for animal and clinical research imaging. They also have advanced computational facilities, with expertise in classical and artificial intelligence, which will be available to the project. With more than 300 peer–reviewed publications on optical imaging, and fundamental developments in the field of optoacoustics, the TUM team offers world–leading ability for medical imaging technology innovation, prototyping and research.
UMCG is an internationally renowned research center focused on promoting healthy living. Their department is composed of experts from different disciplines, including medicine, nursing, psychology, sociology, epidemiology, and public health. UMCG is committed to conducting collaborative and interdisciplinary research, to better understand the determinants of health and well–being, and to develop innovative solutions to improve health and health care. Their research focuses on developing and evaluating interventions that improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities as well as ensuring their research is translated into meaningful policy changes and evidence–based practice.
The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is an internationally oriented university with eight faculties in Brussels, the heart of Europe. Through tailor-made high quality research and education, VUB contributes in an active and committed way to a better society for tomorrow. The research group, Studies in Media innovation and Technology, is specialised in fundamental, applied and contract research in the area of ICT and media, markets and policy.
Role within ThermoBreast
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CPE is an advocacy organisation based in Belgium that advocates for the rights and needs of cancer patients and their families. They are dedicated to raising awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by cancer patients and their families and strive to ensure that all cancer patients and their families have access to the best possible treatment and care, and to build a supportive environment for them. CPE works with healthcare professionals, policy makers, and other stakeholders to develop and advance policies that promote patient rights, access to care, and research for better treatments. They also provide resources and support for cancer patients and their families, to help them navigate through the healthcare system and cope with the challenges of living with cancer.
AMCN is a leading provider of healthcare services in Israel, operating a network of hospitals and clinics throughout the country. The facilities are staffed with experienced medical professionals and equipped with advanced medical technology and equipment, offering a wide range of medical services, including diagnostics, surgery, and emergency care. Assuta Medical Centers Ltd. is committed to providing the highest levels of care and service, and improving the quality of life of their patients and their families. The goal is to ensure that everyone has access to the best possible medical care, regardless of their financial status or any other factors.
IGR is a leading research center in France, dedicated to advancing the field of medical imaging. The department is composed of a team of experienced radiologists, physicists and engineers, who are dedicated to providing the highest quality of medical imaging services, with the latest imaging technologies and equipment. The department is committed to developing new imaging techniques, as well as improving existing ones, in order to provide more accurate diagnoses and treatments. They collaborate with researchers from a wide range of disciplines to advance the field of medical imaging and to improve patient care.
KC is a leading healthcare provider in Lithuania, dedicated to providing high quality medical services to their patients. The hospital is equipped with advanced medical technology and equipment, staffed with experienced medical professionals. They offer a wide range of medical services, including general medicine, surgery, diagnostics, and emergency care. The hospital strives to provide the best possible care and treatment, to ensure that all their patients are given access to the best possible healthcare. They are committed to providing the highest levels of care and service, and to improving the quality of life of their patients and their families.
SMC is a leading research institution in Israel, dedicated to advancing the field of oncogenetics. The unit is composed of a team of experienced researchers, physicians, and geneticists, who are dedicated to providing the highest quality of oncogenetics services. The unit is equipped with advanced medical technology and equipment, and strives to develop new treatments and therapies to help diagnose and treat cancer. They collaborate with researchers from a wide range of disciplines to advance the field of oncogenetics, and to improve patient care. They are committed to providing the best possible care and treatment, to ensure that all their patients are given access to the best possible healthcare.
accelCH is a Swiss SME that assists research institutions and companies in EU project management and the dissemination and exploitation of project results. It is specialised in European research and innovation support initiatives, such as Horizon Europe and the SME focused Eurostars programme. accelCH’s multi-disciplinary and highly qualified staff has over 25 years of experience in EU and national funded projects in Health, Biochemistry, Energy, ICT, Materials and other areas.
Since its foundation in 2008, accelCH has collaborated with more than 1,000 organisations in Europe and beyond, starting with the 7th Framework Programme and continuing into Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe. accelCH is ISO 9001 certified and internationally accredited by IQnet and members of the Swiss Association for Quality and Management Systems.
Role within ThermoBreast
accelCH leads the work package on dissemination, exploitation, and public engagement. This includes the development of materials and content, monitoring and evaluating the implementation of dissemination and communication activities. Furthermore, accelCH supports ThermoMind in operational management in all aspects related to governance, administration, reporting, finances, contracts, and innovation management.
University Hospital Heidelberg, Department of Obstenetrics and Gynecology (UKHD)
The University Hospital Heidelberg is one of the oldest and largest medical institutions in Europe. It especially reknown for innovative cancer care and cancer research, together with its partner insitutions the National Center for Tumor Diseases and the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg.
Role within ThermoBreast
For the EU Horizon project ThermoBreast, the design and conduction of the clinical trial will be led by clinical researchers from the University Hospital Heidelberg.
TUM brings significant expertise in optoacoustic imaging, having developed prototypes for animal and clinical research imaging. They also have advanced computational facilities, with expertise in classical and artificial intelligence, which will be available to the project. With more than 300 peer–reviewed publications on optical imaging, and fundamental developments in the field of optoacoustics, the TUM team offers world–leading ability for medical imaging technology innovation, prototyping and research.
UMCG is an internationally renowned research center focused on promoting healthy living. Their department is composed of experts from different disciplines, including medicine, nursing, psychology, sociology, epidemiology, and public health. UMCG is committed to conducting collaborative and interdisciplinary research, to better understand the determinants of health and well–being, and to develop innovative solutions to improve health and health care. Their research focuses on developing and evaluating interventions that improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities as well as ensuring their research is translated into meaningful policy changes and evidence–based practice.
Role within ThermoBreast
In the ThermoBreast project, UMCG is in the lead for the work package Evaluation. UMCG is primarily in charge of the health technology assessment and cost-effectiveness analysis of Thermography screening compared with other breast cancer screening strategies. Moreover, UMCG supports the investigation of reimbursement schemes in different European countries regarding their national and local reimbursement conditions.
The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is an internationally oriented university with eight faculties in Brussels, the heart of Europe. Through tailor-made high quality research and education, VUB contributes in an active and committed way to a better society for tomorrow. The SMIT (Studies in Media innovation and Technology) research group, conducts user research, policy research and business analysis, making use of both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
Role in ThermoBreast:
Our team will focus on explainability and trustworthiness of ThermoBreast screening approach, enhancing the quality of the user experience during screening and follow up of both patients and clinicians. We will study and develop methods to assess the ethical aspect (privacy, autonomy, transparency, bias, …) of this AI driven solution and their social impact.
CPE is an advocacy organisation based in Belgium that advocates for the rights and needs of cancer patients and their families. They are dedicated to raising awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by cancer patients and their families and strive to ensure that all cancer patients and their families have access to the best possible treatment and care, and to build a supportive environment for them. CPE works with healthcare professionals, policy makers, and other stakeholders to develop and advance policies that promote patient rights, access to care, and research for better treatments. They also provide resources and support for cancer patients and their families, to help them navigate through the healthcare system and cope with the challenges of living with cancer.
Role in ThermoBreast
CPE ensures the involvement of patients at different stages (prevention/monitoring) and needs:
– Elucidation of patient needs
– Analysis of ethical, and social aspects applicable to ThermoBreast
– Communication
– Dissemination
In detail CPE:
– Collects stakeholder requirements, recommendations, and policy expectations in workshops and surveys
– Gathers end-user perspectives, i.e., from patients with surveys and focus groups
– Prepares a White Paper, which will include recommendations on future guidelines and international regulations based on results from the clinical validation
– Organises the final event at the European Parliament
– Explores the required explainability of the ThermoBreast screening process and modality to enable a trustworthy solution. Create (user journey) scenarios with personas (one for each relevant stakeholder group represented by CPE)
– Raises awareness of and gains interest in the project using CPEs and other participants’ established networks and social media channels
– Prepares regular newsletters and press releases
– Distributes printed materials to the project stakeholders
IGR is a leading research center in France, dedicated to advancing the field of medical imaging. The department is composed of a team of experienced radiologists, physicists and engineers, who are dedicated to providing the highest quality of medical imaging services, with the latest imaging technologies and equipment. The department is committed to developing new imaging techniques, as well as improving existing ones, in order to provide more accurate diagnoses and treatments. They collaborate with researchers from a wide range of disciplines to advance the field of medical imaging and to improve patient care.
KC is a leading healthcare provider in Lithuania, dedicated to providing high quality medical services to their patients. The hospital is equipped with advanced medical technology and equipment, staffed with experienced medical professionals. They offer a wide range of medical services, including general medicine, surgery, diagnostics, and emergency care. The hospital strives to provide the best possible care and treatment, to ensure that all their patients are given access to the best possible healthcare. They are committed to providing the highest levels of care and service, and to improving the quality of life of their patients and their families.
accelCH is a Swiss SME that assists research institutions and companies in EU project management and the dissemination and exploitation of project results. It is specialised in European research and innovation support initiatives, such as Horizon Europe and the SME focused Eurostars programme. accelCH’s multi-disciplinary and highly qualified staff has over 25 years of experience in EU and national funded projects in Health, Biochemistry, Energy, ICT, Materials and other areas.
Since its foundation in 2008, accelCH has collaborated with more than 1,000 organisations in Europe and beyond, starting with the 7th Framework Programme and continuing into Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe. accelCH is ISO 9001 certified and internationally accredited by IQnet and members of the Swiss Association for Quality and Management Systems.
Role within ThermoBreast
accelCH leads the work package on dissemination, exploitation, and public engagement. This includes the development of materials and content, monitoring and evaluating the implementation of dissemination and communication activities. Furthermore, accelCH supports ThermoMind in operational management in all aspects related to governance, administration, reporting, finances, contracts, and innovation management.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them (grant agreement no. 101096329).
Swiss participants in this project are supported by the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (contract no. 22.00518).
