European and International Research Networks

Scientific collaborations and international oncology research networks

To enhance knowledge exchange and the value of individual projects, IRST "Dino Amadori" IRCCS invests continuously in scientific networking and international cooperation. Building solid relationships between oncology research, institutions, businesses, and universities is one of the strategic pillars of the Institute's activity, which promotes an integrated, collaborative, and multidisciplinary approach.

Thanks to this vision, structural ties have been consolidated between IRST and the leading players in the research ecosystem, helping to strengthen the Institute's presence within the European context and to support the dissemination of scientific knowledge globally.

A key role in this direction is played by the IRST Grant Office, committed to strengthening dialogue with European institutions and with stakeholders involved in research and innovation (R&I) decision-making processes, such as Ministries, the European Commission, European networks, umbrella organizations, and liaison offices.

IRST office in Brussels

Since 2022, IRST has operated its own office in Brussels, a strategic move to strengthen its presence within European institutional channels. This hub serves as an active platform for engagement in EU initiatives, in line with the Europe's Beating Cancer Plan, and fosters synergies with European institutions, research platforms, patient associations, and centers of oncology excellence. The office also enables the direct organization of institutional events and strengthens the IRST Grant Office, engaged in the strategic monitoring of European research and innovation (R&I) policy.

Regional networks and collaborations

IRST is an active member of the leading regional networks for innovation in health and technology transfer. In particular, IRST:

• is a member of Clust-ER "Health and Wellness Industries" of Emilia-Romagna;
• participates in the High Technology Network (RAT) of Emilia-Romagna;
• is a member of Confindustria Romagna, representing the Health sector and creating synergies with local businesses;
• maintains a direct relationship with the ASTER offices in Brussels for the strategic monitoring of European programs, and has taken part as a stakeholder in the INTERREG-ELISE call, promoted by the Emilia-Romagna Region for technology transfer.

National and international networks and collaborations

At the national level, IRST is an integral part of Alleanza Contro il Cancro (ACC), Italy's largest network dedicated to translational oncology research. At the international level, the Institute is involved in numerous European biomedical research infrastructures, strategic projects, and consortia for personalized medicine and the use of big data in healthcare.

Key collaborations include:

• EATRIS – European Advanced Translational Research Infrastructure;
• ECRIN – European Clinical Research Infrastructures Network;
• BBMRI – Biobanking and Biomolecular Resources Research Infrastructure;
• EURACAN – European Rare Cancer Network;
• ERN – European Reference Networks;
• APRE – Agency for the Promotion of European Research;
• ICPerMed – International Consortium for Personalised Medicine;
• REGIONS4PerMed – Interregional Coordination for Personalised Health;
• 1 Million Genomes (1MG) – European initiative for genomic data sharing;
• Associazione Big Data – Italian Big Data Association;
• Health Big Data – coordinated by Alleanza Contro il Cancro (ACC);
• DIGICORE – pan-European research network.

Through these networks, IRST strengthens its position as a reference center for oncology research at the European level, promoting advanced projects in biobanking, multicenter clinical trials, personalized medicine, and technological innovation in healthcare.

Associate Member of ECO

ECO is one of the most authoritative international networks for developing policies and strategies in oncology, whose members include prestigious organizations such as EORTC (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer) and OECI (Organisation of European Cancer Institutes), as well as leading European and global patient associations.

IRST is the only European research center admitted as an Associate Member, in recognition of the excellence of its oncology research and its European and global collaboration networks. Benefits for IRST include:

• International visibility as a center of excellence in oncology;
• Sharing of best practices with leading experts and institutions in the field;
• Access to the official mailing list and exclusive invitations to ECO network meetings, events, and initiatives;
• A prominent role in future European projects and strategic collaborations;
• Active participation in ECO's thematic Focus Networks;
• Joint organization of the annual ECO event at the Italian Senate.

EUREGHA

The collaboration between IRST "Dino Amadori" IRCCS and EUREGHA (European Regional and Local Health Authorities) is a fundamental part of our European strategy. EUREGHA is the only European network giving voice to regional and local health authorities, promoting dialogue with EU institutions and with the leading pan-European organizations working in public health and healthcare. Through this partnership, IRST has strengthened its visibility and advocacy capacity at the European level, benefiting from direct access to strategic networks and timely information on calls and policy developments. Among the most significant examples is EUREGHA's role in supporting IRST's candidacy to coordinate a proposal for the Cancer Mission, ensuring contacts with leading European partners and fostering institutional endorsements at the regional level. The collaboration also translates into concrete opportunities for exchange and visibility.

Furthermore, thanks to a direct, operational relationship with the EUREGHA team, IRST is able to:

• activate targeted requests to identify project partners;
• obtain mediation for strategic bilateral meetings;
• receive thematic updates and newsletters;
• access informal details on the most relevant European calls;
• share the results of its projects through the network's publications.

Participation in EUREGHA's thematic working groups allows IRST to actively contribute to European political and health priorities, strengthening its position as a reference player in oncology and healthcare innovation.