🌍 Apply Now: ESR Research Seed Grant Global 2025

The European Society of Radiology (ESR) and the European Institute for Biomedical Imaging Research (EIBIR) are pleased to launch the 2025 ESR Research Seed Grant Global Programme, supporting early-stage radiology research across Europe, Central Asia, and Africa.

Funded through an exclusive, unrestricted grant from Siemens Healthineers, this year’s call focuses on Sustainability in Radiology, with priority areas including:

Green Radiology: Reducing imaging’s environmental impact

Cost-effective Imaging: Optimised protocols, value-based care

Access & Equity: Affordable technologies, AI tools, training in underserved regions

Workforce Sustainability: Education, automation, and retention strategies

🔹 Funding: €14,000 per project | Up to 3 grants

🔹 Duration: Up to 24 months

🔹 Deadline: June 15, 2025 (11:59 CET)

🔹 Presentations: ECR 2026, March 4–8

Eligible applicants must be ESR members working in radiology departments in Europe, Central Asia, or Africa. Projects must be independent, early-stage, and endorsed by a supervisor or department head.

👉 Learn more and apply here:

The SIMPLERAD project was a study under the SAMIRA action plan on the implementation of the Euratom and EU legal bases with respect to the therapeutic uses of radiopharmaceuticals.

The study explored quality and radiation safety issues related to the current use and introduction of novel therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals into clinical practice, the role of medical physics experts, requirements for dosimetry, release of patients from hospital, and management of radioactive waste. Given their chemical, physical and clinical particularities, radiopharmaceuticals are a very special class of drugs that requires specific considerations, but their preparation, handling and use are regulated in two separate legal frameworks. The SIMPLERAD project examined legislation and international regulations and guidelines; conducted a survey and interviews of competent authorities, professional societies and clinicians; and hosted a workshop in order to develop a final report proposing practical guidance and recommendations to advance coherent implementation of the legal requirements with respect to the therapeutic use of radiopharmaceuticals. The document aims to improve the understanding of the links and interdependencies between the European pharmaceutical legislations and Euratom radiation protection requirements and highlight potential barriers to coherent implementation of radiopharmaceutical therapies in clinical practice.

The SIMPLERAD project ran from 2023–2025 and involved experts from EIBIR, EANM and EFOMP. The project’s Advisory Board lent invaluable guidance from such organizations as HERCA, the IAEA, ICRP, Nuclear Medicine Europe and EURAMED.

Read or download the final report from the Publications Office of the EU.

EIBIR hosted a highly successful webinar titled Unlocking Success in Proposal Writing, which attracted over 130 attendees eager to enhance their proposal-writing skills for EU funding opportunities. The interactive session featured experienced project managers, who shared their insider tips and tricks, and was expertly moderated by EIBIR’s Scientific Director, Regina Beets-Tan.

The online event, held on 1 April 2025, was a comprehensive webinar aimed at researchers wishing to secure EU funding. The webinar focused not only on essential proposal-writing strategies but also on critical aspects such as identifying the right funding calls, crafting compelling narratives, and communicating the real-world impact of research projects.

Expert Insights and Inside Tips

Participants were treated to a wealth of knowledge from EIBIR Project Managers, with years of hands-on experience, they provided invaluable insights into how to create compelling proposals that stand out in a highly competitive field.

Tina Kokan provided valuable guidance on how researchers can efficiently navigate the wide range of EU funding calls. Her presentation highlighted the importance of aligning a research proposal with the right funding programme and gave participants practical advice on how to strategically select calls that offer the best fit for their project.

Katharina Krischak shared her best practices for writing clear, impactful proposals. Her tips on how to present a research idea in a compelling manner were especially appreciated by attendees. One of the key takeaways was the importance of structuring proposals to highlight the broader societal impact of research – a critical element in securing EU funding.

Peter Gordebeke offered invaluable advice on how to translate scientific research into practical applications, ensuring that proposals not only meet scientific criteria but also demonstrate tangible benefits for society. His guidance was particularly helpful for those looking to bridge the gap between the laboratory and real-world outcomes.

Interactive Q&A Session 

One of the highlights of the webinar was the interactive Q&A session, which lasted for 30 minutes and allowed participants to engage directly with the experts. The Q&A segment was in high demand, with attendees eager to seek tailored advice for their specific challenges in proposal writing. Lively discussions were sparked, giving researchers the chance to clarify doubts on everything from navigating specific EU funding calls to common pitfalls to avoid during the writing process.

Regina Beets-Tan, EIBIR’s Scientific Director, led the entire session, making sure all key topics were discussed and that participants had plenty of chances to engage with the speakers. Her ability to guide the conversation, keeping it both informative and engaging, was instrumental in making the event a resounding success.

A Valuable Opportunity for Researchers

The event provided an essential platform for researchers, both novice and experienced, to refine their proposal-writing techniques. Attendees left with practical, actionable advice that will help boost their chances of success in securing EU funding.

As funding calls become increasingly competitive, this webinar highlighted the need for a strategic approach to proposal writing. For those who could not attend, the webinar will soon be available for viewing, and EIBIR plans to host additional sessions in their webinar series, continuing their mission to empower researchers with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed.

Join us for an exclusive webinar!

Date: Tuesday, 1st April 2025
Time: 09:30 – 11:00 CEST

Register Here to secure your spot!

A certificate of attendance will be issued!

Are you ready to master the art of crafting winning proposals for EU funding? Join us for an insightful session in the EIBIR Webinar Series: Unlocking Success in Proposal Writing. This event is designed for researchers who wish to secure funding and enhance their proposal-writing skills with proven strategies and expert guidance.

Why you should attend?

Writing a successful proposal involves more than simply presenting a great research idea – it’s about selecting the right funding call, creating a compelling narrative, and addressing key sections effectively. During this live online webinar, our expert speakers will walk you through essential steps and provide practical tips to help you navigate the proposal process and improve your chances of success. 

What you’ll learn:

Identifying the right funding opportunities for your research
Best practices for writing clear and impactful proposals
How to communicate your research’s real-world impact effectively
Common pitfalls to avoid during the proposal process

Webinar Programme:

09:30 – 09:40: Introduction – Regina G. H. Beets-Tan, Amsterdam/Netherlands (10 min)
09:40 – 09:50: Identifying Funding Opportunities – Tina Kokan, Vienna/Austria (10 min)
09:50 – 10:10: Best Practices for Writing Winning Proposals: Tips and Examples – Katharina Krischak, Vienna/Austria (20 min)
10:10 – 10:30: From Science to Society: How to Describe the Real-World Impact of Your Project – Peter Gordebeke, Vienna/Austria (20 min)
10:30 – 10:55: Live Q&A from the Audience – (30 min)
10:55 – 11:00: Closing Remarks – Regina G. H. Beets-Tan, Amsterdam/Netherlands (5 min)

This is a unique opportunity to learn from experienced professionals who have successfully navigated the competitive landscape of EU research funding. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or an experienced researcher looking to refine your skills, this webinar will provide valuable insights to take your proposals to the next level.

Register now to reserve your place for the webinar and start preparing for your next successful funding application!

We look forward to seeing you there!

The SINFONIA project has set a new benchmark in radiation dosimetry and risk assessment, developing methodologies to provide precise, patient-specific dose estimations that enhance radiation safety and clinical decision-making. SINFONIA is proud to announce the release of its recommendations aimed at enhancing the safety and efficacy of medical procedures involving ionising radiation. These recommendations are the culmination of extensive research and development efforts from the SINFONIA project focused on personalised dosimetry and risk appraisal in diagnostic radiology, nuclear medicine and radiation therapy. The recommendations provide a comprehensive view on the doses and risks from medical procedures and through this contribute towards advancing the safe use of modern, optimised and individualised diagnostic and therapy procedures. The recommendations are directed towards professionals working with ionising radiation or having to determine doses and assess risks from the medical use of ionising radiation.

Ionising radiation, while invaluable in medical diagnostics and treatment, poses significant risks to patients and healthcare personnel. It can damage cellular structures and DNA, increasing the risk of cancer and other health issues. Repeated or high-dose radiation exposure during medical imaging can lead to skin injuries, cataracts, and cardiovascular diseases. Pregnant patients and those undergoing frequent scans are particularly vulnerable, with potential long-term effects including growth retardation and congenital malformations in conceptuses.

AI tools have been developed for individual dose determinations from imaging procedures in diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine. Prof. John Damilakis (SINFONIA Scientific Coordinator, University of Crete) highlighted that “The development of the web-based AI-powered i-Dose platform within SINFONIA represents a breakthrough in personalised radiation dose estimation, offering healthcare professionals an innovative tool to estimate patient doses and optimise X-ray procedures.” Significant advances have also been made in low-dose determinations from RT applications, including imaging procedures and the summation of dose contributions. Alexandru Dasu (WP7 leader, Skandion Clinic) pointed out that “to our knowledge this is the first personalised approach to identify and characterise all contributors to patient doses.”

The project’s developments have enhanced understanding of dose magnitudes and risks, and the potential for novel approaches to individualise dose and risk determinations.

SINFONIA’s commitment to education and training has bridged knowledge gaps in radiation safety, equipping medical professionals with cutting-edge tools and best practices to enhance patient care. Important learnings have also emerged regarding the need for communication of risks to patients and the general public.

The results suggest distinct approaches for various patient categories. For patients suspected of a serious cancer diagnosis, effective radiation protection practices are essential to ensure that doses from diagnostic imaging are kept as low as reasonably achievable while maintaining image quality. For patients with a confirmed diagnosis, prioritising the delivery of the therapeutic dose to the target is crucial for long-term survival, with individual dose and risk assessments serving a secondary purpose to minimise treatment risks.

The production and administration of radionuclides pose additional risks for workers, the general public, and the environment. The impact on human and biota from the release of radiopharmaceuticals by hospitals were assessed by developing appropriate transport models. An AI-assisted computational system for real time staff dose assessment in nuclear medicine was developed. The performance and accuracy of a computational framework based on Monte Carlo simulations for the evaluation of the exposure of caregivers, family members or staff when in close contact with nuclear medicine patients after injection with radiopharmaceuticals was evaluated. Suitable education on radionuclides, techniques, and procedures can effectively minimise radiogenic risks, ensuring a skilled labour force within the EU for the safe use of ionising radiation in medical applications.

Looking ahead, the integration of AI and machine learning in radiology holds promise for further reducing radiation doses and improving image quality. These technologies can optimise image capture, reduce the need for repeated scans, and enhance image processing and interpretation.

Prof. John Damilakis concluded that “SINFONIA’s multidisciplinary approach has led to groundbreaking advancements, from AI-enhanced 3D dose distribution models to real-time extremity dose monitoring, strengthening radiation protection measures across medical fields.” The SINFONIA project’s recommendations mark a significant step forward in the safe and effective use of ionising radiation in medical settings. By leveraging advanced technologies and fostering education, SINFONIA is paving the way for a safer future in medical imaging and treatment.

For more information about the SINFONIA project and its outcomes and to view the recommendations document, please visit https://www.sinfonia-appraisal.eu/.

The SOLACE project, funded by the EU4Health program,  is developing new clinical guidelines for lung cancer screening across EU Member States. This pioneering initiative under Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan aims to facilitate the implementation of lung cancer screening programs, breaking down barriers to ensure access for people across all social and economic groups.

Following a comprehensive scoping review, the project has identified key priorities and is now seeking input from health professionals, patients, and other stakeholders to refine the final recommendations.

Stakeholder participation is essential to ensure the guidelines are comprehensive and effective. The survey is open until 21 March, and all relevant parties are encouraged to contribute their insights.

Complete the survey here: https://lnkd.in/dyuXHs5B

For further information or queries, please contact: solace.survey@gmail.com

The European Institute for Biomedical Imaging Research (EIBIR) is set to unveil a new format for research presentations at ECR 2025. This initiative will provide selected researchers with a unique platform to present their work to an international audience, fostering greater visibility and engagement within the biomedical imaging community.

As part of this special presentation series, outstanding research from accepted EPOS abstracts has been selected for EIBIR Oral Presentations, taking place at the EIBIR Stage. These sessions will showcase cutting-edge advancements in imaging research, offering a prime opportunity for presenters to connect with experts and key stakeholders in the field.

Session Details

EIBIR Stage Bonus Session 1
Date: Friday, February 28, 2025
Time: 14:30 – 15:30 CET
Location: EIBIR Booth, Level 1
More Information

EIBIR Stage Bonus Session 2
Date: Saturday, March 1, 2025
Time: 11:00 – 12:00 CET
Location: EIBIR Booth, Level 1
More Information

These sessions represent a significant step in advancing imaging research, facilitating knowledge exchange, and driving innovation in the field. EIBIR encourages all ECR 2025 attendees to participate and engage with the latest developments in biomedical imaging.

Pixel Pandemonium is set to bring together leading AI/ML researchers and radiology experts at ECR 2025, offering a unique platform to explore the latest advancements in AI-driven medical imaging.
This exhibition will feature state-of-the-art technologies designed to transform healthcare, providing attendees with the opportunity to engage directly with cutting-edge innovations and participate in hands-on demonstrations.

A key highlight of the event will be the interactive pitch sessions, taking place daily at 13:30, where industry pioneers will present novel solutions and discuss the future of AI in radiology.

Event Details

Dates: Wednesday – Saturday, February 26 – March 1, 2025
Time: 10:00 – 17:00 Daily
Location: EXPO X1, Level -2, AIX Area

For more information, visit: Pixel Pandemonium at ECR 2025.