On 22 and 23 January 2026, PRECISEU hosted two online MeetUps bringing together the winners of the first edition of the PRECISEU Best Practice Recognition. These sessions offered the community a unique opportunity to hear directly from leading initiatives shaping the future of personalised medicine through health data, AI and patient-centred innovation. Across two discussions covering the IMPACT, CULTURE, INNOVATION and EXCELLENCE categories, speakers shared candid reflections on what it takes to translate promising research into real-world healthcare impact.
From principles to practice: Lessons from IMPACT & CULTURE
The first session featured Miquel A. Bru Angelats (DIPCAN, Genomcore) and Begonya Nafría Escalera (ENGAGE-ATMP, Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona Children’s Hospital), who explored the intersection of patient engagement, data governance and European collaboration. A central theme was the evolution of patient involvement in research and innovation.
“Patients are no longer just participants — they are co-creators of innovation.”
Both speakers emphasised that meaningful engagement, from protocol design to dissemination, leads to more relevant outcomes and stronger real-world impact. Projects that integrate patient perspectives early tend to produce more robust and actionable results. Another key takeaway was the importance of building strong data foundations from the outset.
“Treating data strategy as foundational, not operational, is essential for scaling.”
AI-driven healthcare innovation depends not only on data availability but on governance, compliance and trust. Embedding these elements early enables projects to scale more effectively and gain stakeholder confidence. The discussion also highlighted the multiplying effect of cross-border collaboration. Pan-European partnerships enhance credibility, broaden expertise and accelerate learning across ecosystems.
Navigating scale: Insights from INNOVATION & EXCELLENCE
The second MeetUp welcomed Svitlana Surodina (OPORA Health) and Elena Garralda Cabanas (PragmaTIL, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology), who shared practical experience from initiatives operating at the forefront of health data and advanced therapies. A recurring message was that trusted data and compliant AI are prerequisites for progress in personalised medicine.
“Trusted data and regulatory-ready AI are non-negotiable for the future of personalised healthcare.”
Speakers stressed that while scientific breakthroughs continue to advance rapidly, the most significant barriers often emerge later in the innovation journey.
“The biggest challenge is not discovery — it’s scaling.”
Moving from pilot initiatives to real-world deployment requires navigating complex regulatory environments, operational constraints and funding gaps. These factors frequently slow innovation more than the underlying science itself. Patient involvement again emerged as a strategic enabler rather than a symbolic element.
“Embedding patients early reduces risk and leads to solutions that truly work in clinical settings.”
Early and meaningful engagement strengthens evidence generation, supports adoption and increases the likelihood of successful implementation.
A shared agenda for Europe’s health innovation ecosystem
Across both sessions, a clear message emerged: scaling personalised medicine requires alignment across multiple dimensions — data governance, regulatory readiness, funding pathways and ecosystem collaboration.
“Scaling health innovation requires alignment — across data, regulation, funding and collaboration — all at once.”
No single factor is sufficient on its own. Sustainable progress depends on coordinated efforts across stakeholders and regions. The MeetUps also reinforced PRECISEU’s role as a platform for connecting regional ecosystems and facilitating knowledge exchange. By bringing together researchers, innovators, clinicians, policymakers and patient organisations, the initiative enables practical insights from pioneering projects to inform the next generation of European health innovation.
Looking ahead: Continuing the momentum
The Best Practice Champions sessions form part of a broader effort to accelerate the adoption of personalised medicine across Europe. Insights gathered during these discussions will feed into upcoming PRECISEU activities, including collaborative initiatives, capacity-building programmes and policy dialogue. Importantly, the conversations come at a pivotal moment: the second edition of the PRECISEU Best Practice Recognition is now open. Building on the momentum of the first cohort of winners, the new edition aims to identify and amplify further examples of impactful, scalable and patient-centred innovation. For those exploring the intersection of health data, AI and collaborative European research, the lessons shared by the Best Practice Champions offer valuable guidance — and a glimpse into the future of personalised medicine in Europe.
Register here for second edition of the PRECISEU Best Practice Recognition taking place on March 12th 2026!