The four-year project, coordinated by Technical University of Munich (TUM), brings together 19 partners from 13 European countries and is funded with approximately €15 million through the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme. By developing innovative digital twin technologies, TWIN-X aims to improve treatment options for cardiovascular diseases and cancer, two leading causes of death across the European Union.

Putting Trustworthiness and Explainability First

Digital twins have emerged as a promising technology for patient-centred medicine. However, many AI systems function as a “black box”, making it difficult to understand how they arrive at their conclusions. TWIN-X will instead develop an explainable AI model that allows healthcare professionals to see and understand how the system generates diagnoses and treatment recommendations.

To achieve this, the research consortium will develop methodologies that are aligned with ethical values, mitigate bias, and ensure transparency regarding model limitations. This framework is expected to strengthen trust in AI-driven healthcare and support better-informed clinical decisions.

A Novel Structure-First Approach to Harness the Potential of Digital Twins

While many existing digital twin models combine all available information into a single mathematical representation, TWIN-X follows a different approach. The project develops a modular, hierarchical information structure that organises patient data into clinically

meaningful units. These units, known as modular expert AI models, can be activated or recombined depending on the clinical question being addressed.

“By organising patient data according to clinical logic before any modelling, TWIN-X produces digital twins that remain explainable by construction,” says Keno Bressem, project coordinator at TUM Klinikum rechts der Isar. “This gives us a transparent and verifiable basis for decision-making.”

The hierarchical data structure is embedded within a multi-layered architecture that enables different types of patient information to be organised and analysed efficiently. Data from medical imaging, clinical narratives, and laboratory results are first structured according to their source and characteristics before being combined to generate context-specific insights tailored to the clinician’s query.

Joining Forces to Strengthen Digital Health in Europe

The project is organised into nine work packages covering all major aspects of development, including the design of the AI architecture, the integration of different types of patient data, the implementation of explainability, trustworthiness, and ethical safeguards. Furthermore, the consortium will test and validate the model in clinical settings within the fields of oncology and cardiology.

By advancing the development of trustworthy and responsible digital twins, the project will help strengthen Europe’s digital health ecosystem and support the safe and effective integration of AI technologies into clinical practice.

Key Facts:

Full name: TWIN-X: Multimodal Digital TWINs with Generative AI for eXplainable Precision Medicine

Start Date: 1 June 2026

Duration: 48 months

Budget: approx. €15 million

Coordinator: TUM Klinikum rechts der Isar

Website: twin-x.eu

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/twin-x

Project Partners:

Germany:

• Klinikum der Technischen Universität München (TUM-MED)
• Berliner Hochschule für Technik (BHT)
• European Research & Innovation Office (EURICE GmbH)
• Basebox GmbH (basebox)

Greece:

• Panepistimio Kritis (UoC)
• Aristotelio Panepistimio Thessalonikis (AUTH)

Switzerland:

• 3R Swiss Imaging Network SA (3R)

Serbia:

• Institut za onkologiju Vojvodine – Oncology Institute of Vojvodina (IOV)

Italy:

• Università degli Studi di Salerno (UNISA)

France:

• Medipath (Medipath)
• Centre Hospitalier Régional et Universitaire de Lille (CHUL)
• Association EDHEC Business School (EDHEC)

Bulgaria:

• Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski (INSAIT)

Austria:

• Europäische Gesellschaft für Informatik in der Medizinischen Bildgebung (EuSoMII)

Lithuania:

• Lietuvos sveikatos mokslų universitetas (LSMU)

Cyprus:

• Linac-Pet Scan Opco Limited (GOC)

Netherlands:

• Stichting Radboud Universitair Medisch Centrum (RUMC)

Croatia:

• Research and Innovation Services d.o.o. za usluge (RISE)

Poland:

• Uniwersytet Medyczny im. Piastów Śląskich we Wrocławiu (WMU)

Project Coordinator

TUM Klinikum rechts der Isar

PD Dr Keno Bressem

Email: keno.bressem@tum.de

Project Management

Eurice GmbH

Michaela Scheid

Email: m.scheid@eurice.eu

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Two decades of experience

Laura Petrauskienė began her professional journey at the LSMU Library while still a student. At the time, she worked weekends in the reading room on A. Mickevičiaus Street in Kaunas, where the University’s Study Centre is now located.

“Later, I worked as an Information Specialist in the University Library’s Information Services Department, and from 2014 I headed that department,” she said, reflecting on the beginnings of her career.

Having assumed her new position last week, Laura Petrauskienė notes that while the activities of the Library and Information Centre and its staff are very familiar to her, the role of Head brings new responsibilities.

“I have been working in the Library for more than 20 years, so both the work and the team are very familiar to me. Nevertheless, a leadership position brings new responsibilities and a different perspective on everyday tasks. I feel very comfortable in my new role and am eager to work actively alongside the team and contribute to the continued development of the Library and Information Centre,” she says.

The importance of workplace culture

Speaking about her immediate plans, the new Head emphasised that she is not planning any radical changes. In her view, it is important to preserve what has already proven successful and is valued by both library users and staff, while at the same time keeping pace with modern developments.

“We will continue to expand our electronic services, promote information literacy and ensure that the services we provide meet the needs and expectations of today’s academic community,” she explains.

Laura Petrauskienė describes the Library and Information Centre team as professional, highly competent and dedicated to their work. According to her, one of the key priorities is maintaining a workplace culture based on mutual trust, support and collaboration.

“Our staff are experts in their respective fields, possess valuable experience and continuously strive to improve. Only by working together can we successfully achieve our goals,” she says.

A passion for literature

Outside work, Laura Petrauskienė devotes most of her time to her family, which she describes as her greatest source of strength and inspiration.

“My family is my greatest treasure. After work, we try to spend as much time together as possible – talking, sharing the experiences of our day and enjoying peaceful evenings. My family is my greatest source of strength, inspiration and support,” she emphasises.

She is also an enthusiastic traveller who enjoys discovering new cultures and sampling traditional dishes from different countries. In addition, she is a passionate reader with a particular interest in literature. She is especially fond of historical novels about monarchs, royal dynasties and notable figures from Lithuanian history.

“It is encouraging to see that, in recent years, more and more books have been published about historical figures from Lithuania. I dream that one day a high-quality feature film or even a television series will be produced about Lithuania’s grand dukes – their lives, decisions, victories and challenges,” she shares.

When asked about her personal motto, Laura Petrauskienė cited a saying that guides her daily life: “A smile costs nothing but gives a great deal”. She concluded by emphasising that sincerity, respect and kindness are the foundations of strong relationships, both in professional life and in personal life.

We congratulate Laura Petrauskienė on her appointment as Head of the Library and Information Centre and wish her every success in her new role!

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The conference brought together medical doctors, researchers, experts in health innovation, representatives of universities and hospitals, and specialists from international longevity organisations to discuss the latest scientific advances in longevity research and their practical application.

Patron of the conference, Professor Saulius Čaplinskas, Member of the Parliament (Seimas) of the Republic of Lithuania, emphasised that longevity science is becoming increasingly important in a rapidly ageing society.

“The key challenge is not only to add years to people’s lives, but also to add life to those years. Science is providing ever more answers about why and how the body ages. At the same time, we see that factors long known to be beneficial – physical activity, quality sleep, a balanced diet, social connections, preventive healthcare programmes and vaccination – remain among the most important contributors to a longer and healthier life,” said Professor S. Čaplinskas.

During the event, he also presented a Longevity Ambassador Appreciation Award to Professor Leonas Valius, Head of the LSMU Department of Family Medicine, in recognition of his long-standing contribution to the training of physicians and the development of an evidence-based approach to longevity medicine in Lithuania.

According to Professor Valius, one of the conference’s most important objectives is to move the topic of longevity from popular  – but not always scientifically grounded – discussions into the academic and clinical spheres.

“We aim to draw a clear distinction between populism, commercially driven quick fixes and what is genuinely supported by scientific evidence. We already have a strong foundation in prevention, health promotion and healthy lifestyles, which can now be further strengthened through advances in biology, microbiology, molecular medicine and new technologies,” he stressed.

Professor Jūratė Macijauskienė, Dean of the Faculty of Nursing at the LSMU Medical Academy and Head of the Department of Geriatrics, noted that longevity is a topic that unites specialists from a wide range of disciplines.

“We come from different fields, yet we are united by a single word – health. Every initiative that contributes to longevity and healthy ageing yields benefits, from fundamental molecular research to systemic improvements in healthcare,” she said.

Meanwhile, Associate Professor Povilas Ignatavičius, Vice-Dean of the LSMU Faculty of Medicine, highlighted the need to critically assess the growing volume of information surrounding longevity.

“We live in an age of the immense pool of information available – scientific publications, artificial intelligence and social media. That is precisely why evidence-based medicine has become more important than ever. Although our understanding of the biology of ageing and cellular processes continues to expand, further scientific evidence is still needed,” he said.

One of the conference organisers, physician Silvija Valdonė-Ališauskė, emphasised that the event, now in its third year, aims to present healthcare professionals with an accurate understanding of longevity medicine.

“Many people associate longevity medicine with dietary supplements, hyperbaric chambers or various commercial services. In reality, it is not a separate branch of medicine. Rather, it is a field that complements existing medical specialties and helps integrate the latest scientific discoveries into everyday clinical practice,” she explained.

The international dimension of the event was highlighted by Dr Ilia Stambler, representative of Vetek – the Movement for Longevity and Quality of Life. According to him, the Longevity Assembly seeks not only to showcase the latest scientific findings but also to build a community actively promoting longevity-related ideas.

“We must turn longevity into a global movement – beginning in Lithuania and expanding internationally. I invite everyone to become advocates, researchers, physicians or simply individuals contributing to the development of this field,” said Dr Stambler.

The conference programme covered topics ranging from the biology of cellular ageing, inflammatory processes and the role of the microbiome to artificial intelligence, personalised medicine and public health solutions that could contribute to longer and healthier lives. Presentations were delivered by experts from Lithuania, Latvia, Denmark, the United States, the United Kingdom and Israel. Alongside the conference, the participants also had the opportunity to visit the exhibition featuring health and longevity partners and lifestyle medicine initiatives.

The conference was organised by LSMU, the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, the LSMU Family Medicine Clinic, the LSMU Department of Geriatrics, the Lithuanian College of Family Physicians, the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences and the Longevity Alliance Baltic.

The conference marked the opening event of the week-long Longevity Assembly. Discussions will continue at the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences and events taking place in Klaipėda, Druskininkai, Birštonas and other Lithuanian cities, where dialogue on building a healthier and longer living society will continue.

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A familiar unit, yet no shortage of challenges

Dr Pajėdienė has been working at the LSMU Centre for Postgraduate Studies for almost three years. For the past six months, she has served as Acting Dean, having previously spent two years as Vice-Dean of the Centre.

“During this period, I became thoroughly familiar with the activities and strategic priorities of the Centre for Postgraduate Studies, as well as the functions of other LSMU divisions and, most importantly, the people who work within them. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from former Dean of the Centre for Postgraduate Studies Professor Juozas Kupčinskas, Vice-Rector for Clinical Medicine Professor Renaldas Jurkevičius, previous deans of the Centre, and many other members of the LSMU community,” she says.

According to the new Dean, the Centre will continue to focus on its core activities, including organising postgraduate courses, placements and conferences, ensuring the quality of internship and residency training programmes, promoting medical resident mobility within Lithuania and abroad, and supporting the professional development of medical residents and their mentors.

“What pleases me most is that, together with the team, we have united around a shared vision and identified strategic goals for the future. For the third consecutive year, LSMU medical residency training has been organised using the Entrustable Professional Activities and the Medical Residency Electronic Register. In the near future, we plan to conduct both quantitative and qualitative evaluations of this model, involving all participants in the process – medical residents, residential programme directors, coordinators, mentors and administrators,” explains Dr Pajėdienė.

One of the Centre’s new and significant areas of focus is preparing healthcare professionals for wartime threats and other emergency situations. A project is currently being developed in cooperation with various LSMU divisions and external partners.

Dr Pajėdienė also sees opportunities to expand online training in generic competences for healthcare professionals, with particular emphasis on psychological resilience, teamwork, ethics and healthcare management.

A professional team and new traditions

Speaking about her colleagues, Dr Pajėdienė emphasised that she is surrounded by highly experienced and professional specialists.

“Our team includes the exceptionally knowledgeable and experienced specialists Birutė Gaulienė, Inga Sribikienė, Eglė Čiupkevičienė, Lina Saltonaitė, Vaida Sudikienė, Kristina Vosylienė, Marija Ivaškienė, alongside IT specialist Rokas Pečiulis and the newly appointed Vice-Deans Arvydas Gelžinis and Lukas Šemeklis. I will strive to recognise and empower every member of the team, encourage the development of new areas of activity and strengthen cooperation with international institutions,” says the Dean.

Creative activities also play a role in team-building. Before the summer holidays, the team plans to visit a ceramics studio. According to Dr Pajėdienė, such activities help strengthen the sense of community and establish new traditions.

A career that began at LSMU

Dr Pajėdienė’s professional journey began at LSMU, where she completed her Master’s degree in Medicine, residency training in Neurology and doctoral studies.

“This academic, scientific and clinical experience shaped me as a neurologist, educator and researcher. My studies and work at LSMU and the Hospital of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kauno Klinikos, together with placements at the Karolinska Institute and Uppsala University Hospital, as well as active involvement in national and international professional societies, enabled me to develop a broad range of competencies and gain a deeper understanding of the diverse applications of neurology, neuroscience and sleep medicine,” she explains.

Strong family support

When asked about her personal motto, Dr Pajėdienė mentions two favourite sayings. The first is linked to her clinical speciality and originates from sleep science pioneer Allan Rechtschaffen, who famously observed that if sleep were not a vital biological function, it would be the greatest mistake ever made by evolution.

“The second saying reflects my own character and approach to achieving goals. It can be translated as: ‘If you’ve jumped over the horse, jump over its tail as well,’” she says.

In her free time, the Dean enjoys staying active and engaging in cultural pursuits.

“I regularly attend Pilates classes, go running and rollerblading. I also enjoy escaping into activities unrelated to medicine, such as theatre, reading and ceramics. I have been interested in the arts for some time, and from the autumn I plan to attend non-degree art history lectures,” she shares her plans.

Above all, however, Dr Pajėdienė says that after work and business trips, nothing is more restorative and rewarding than returning home, where she can always rely on the strong support of her family.

We congratulate Dr Evelina Pajėdienė on her new appointment and wish her every success in achieving her goals!

The post New Head of the Centre for Postgraduate Studies: “I Will Strive to Recognise and Empower Every Member of the Team” appeared first on LSMU.

Prof. Dr Ingrida Janulevičienė, Dean of the International Relations and Study Centre, expressed her appreciation of the collaboration and the lasting diplomatic ties that have facilitated the students’ visit.

“We sincerely welcome you and wish you a pleasant and productive stay. I will do my utmost to ensure that your traineeship is organised as smoothly and beneficially for you as possible,” – she stated.

Prof. Dr Andrius Macas, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, encouraged the visiting students to reflect carefully on their aspirations, goals, and opportunities.

“It is very important that you make the most of this opportunity. In five years, some of you may be practising doctors, and in seven – great specialists. Some will become researchers. It is therefore important for us to establish connections already at this stage,” said the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine following the students’ introductions of their academic interests in medicine.

During the official welcome session at LSMU Hospital Kauno Klinikos, the Dean of the International Relations and Study Centre presented the University, the LSMU Hospital Kauno Klinikos, and the LSMU Kaunas Hospital to the visiting students, who will temporarily become members of the University community.  Close cooperation with Japan, including student exchanges and joint research initiatives, was also highlighted during the presentation.

During their month-long stay in Kaunas, each student of the IUHW delegation will follow an individualised study plan tailored to their field of interest. In addition to attending lectures alongside LSMU students, the visiting students will be accommodated in University residence halls and will participate in a range of activities such as visits to the Museum of the History of Lithuanian Medicine and Pharmacy and the LSMU Museum of Anatomy as well as excursions to the ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Lithuania in Rumšiškės, and the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Curonian Spit.

The post Continued Collaboration: Students from Japan Arrive for a One-Month Visit appeared first on LSMU.

1. An application letter to participate in the Honorary Scholarship Competition (addressed to the Rector); Link to the application form HERE;
2. A free-form Curriculum Vitae;
3. Documents proving active participation in student activities (certificates can be obtained from the heads of your organizations/centers) and/or the need for financial aid (students who have lost their parents (adoptive parents) or guardians, students with disabled parents (adoptive parents) or guardians, or students from large families);
4. Documents proving voluntary participation in the internationalization of the University, creation of a multicultural environment, as well as increasing of knowledge about the University abroad through continuous activities (certificates, attestations, recommendations of International Relations and Studies Centre etc. confirming the achieved results for the autumn semester of 2025/2026);
5. Other documents proving the achievements of a student.

Documents certifying grade point average (GPA) will be arranged for all students who applied for the honorary scholarship (students will not need to request the certificates at the Dean’s office).

NOTE:

• GPA shall not be lower than 8.
• The scholarship shall not be awarded to students who had already been awarded a scholarship from other funds in year 2025/2026.

The submitted documents must be compiled into one document saved in PDF format, the title of which must include the Name, Surname, Faculty (abbreviated) and course (year).

Documents shall be submitted via e-mails: info@lsmusa.lt and socialinis.komitetas@lsmusa.lt.

Should you not get a response within 36 hours that the documents have been received, please call +370 600 32330 or write to the LSMU SA Facebook page.

The meeting of the Honorary Scholarship Committee will be held on 14 April from 1:00 p.m. Address: A. Mickevičius st. 9, Kaunas, in the Meeting Hall of the Rectorate.

Note: Candidates’ participation in the Committee meeting is mandatory. Students who have applied to participate for the scholarship competition will be informed about the date and time of the interview by e-mail.

The following scholarships will be awarded:

• JSC “Arbor Medical Corporation LT” (for a student of “Medicine” study programme of the Faculty of Medicine).
• Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis Scholarship (for students of the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Public Health).
• “Camelia Scholarship” (for students of “Pharmacy” study programme of the Faculty of Pharmacy).
• “Eurovaistinė’ Scholarship” (for 2^nd -5^th year student of “Pharmacy” study programme of the Faculty of Pharmacy).
• “Aconitum’ Scholarship” (for students of the Faculty of Pharmacy).
• “BENU Scholarship” (for 4^th year student of “Pharmacy” study programme of the Faculty of Pharmacy).
• JSC “Pirmas žingsnis” Scholarship (for a student of rehabilitation field of studies of the Faculty of Nursing).
• Slaugos konsultacijų centro SIDABRA Scholarship (for a student of nursing and midwifery of the first and second cycles of the Faculty of Nursing).
• aromáma Scholarship (for a student of “Nursing” study programme of the Faculty of Nursing).
• Kristupas Gutauskas Foundation Scholarship (for a student of the Faculty of Odontology).
• Foundation for Support of Dental Science Scholarship (for a student of “Odontology” study programme of the Faculty of Odontology).
• JSC “Akola Farming” Scholarship (for a student of the “Veterinary Medicine” study programme at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine).
• JSC ,,Agrokoncernas” Scholarship (for a student of the Veterinary Medicine programme at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and for a student of the Animal Science programme at the Faculty of Animal Science).
• Lithuanian Veterinary Doctors Association Scholarship (for a student of the “Veterinary Medicine study” programme at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine).
• Veterinary Pharmacy Association Scholarship (for a student of the “Veterinary Medicine” study programme at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine).
• JSC “Magnum Veterinarija” Scholarship (for a student of the “Animal Science” programme at the Faculty of Animal Science).
• LSMU honorary scholarship for achievements in developing the internationality of the University (for students who are actively involved and have achieved great results in the fields of increasing the internationality of LSMU, creating a multicultural environment, as well as growing the awareness of LSMU abroad).

Candidates will be selected in 2026/2027 m. for the following nominal scholarships (the final decision will be made by the founders of the scholarships):

• Scholarship of the President of the Republic of Lithuania Kazys Grinius (for students of life sciences, health, veterinary sciences, agricultural sciences, sports study groups). IMPORTANT: the application must be accompanied by documents with information about the candidate’s study results of the last two semesters, evaluation of the candidate’s studies, scientific and / or artistic activities, indicating particularly good results of studies, scientific and / or artistic activities, student participation in competitions, expeditions, in student research practice projects, published research papers, etc.
• Scholarship of the President of the Republic of Lithuania Algirdas Brazauskas (for students of the study group of social sciences). IMPORTANT: the application must be accompanied by documents with information about the candidate’s study results of the last two semesters, evaluation of the candidate’s studies, scientific and / or artistic activities, indicating particularly good results of studies, scientific and / or artistic activities, student participation in competitions, expeditions, in student research practice projects, published research papers, etc.

If you have any questions regarding the preparation of the documents, please contact the LSMU Student Representative Office administrator at info@lsmusa.lt  or by phone +37060032330.

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Presentation of Study Opportunities and Students’ Interest

International programme coordinators from the International Relations and Study Centre introduced students to LSMU study programmes, admission requirements, specifics of academic and student life, opportunities to engage in scientific activities and student organisations. Young people were also interested in Lithuanian culture, traditions, daily life in Kaunas, and the possibility of visiting the university during Open Days. Many visitors had already heard about LSMU, so they came to the booth looking for additional information about their chosen fields of study and the preparation required for admission.

Connecting Students with Universities

One of the aims of the event was to introduce young people to study opportunities abroad and to provide a chance to speak directly with university representatives. Participants learned about bachelor’s and master’s programmes, admission processes, academic strengths, and career prospects in the international labour market. At the LSMU booth, visitors found the latest information materials about studies, university infrastructure, scientific research, and innovation. Their interest grew even further thanks to LSMU-branded souvenirs.

An Interactive Experience: Virtual Reality

The virtual reality (VR) glasses project, initiated by the International Relations and Study Centre of LSMU, attracted significant attention. With the help of VR technology, students could “visit” university laboratories, the Medical Simulation Centre, lectures, operating rooms, and student leisure spaces. This immersive experience allowed them to see the study environment up close and to feel as if they were already part of the LSMU community.

Acknowledgement to LSMU Hospital Kauno Klinikos and Departments

The International Relations and Study Centre of LSMU would like to express its sincere gratitude to the heads and study administrators of the clinical departments of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Hospital Kauno Klinikos for their cooperation and support during the filming of virtual tours: Nose, Ear and Throat, Urology, Surgery, Genetics and Molecular Medicine, and Laboratory Medicine; the administration of the Preventive and Paediatric Dentistry and Dental and Oral Pathology Departments of the Faculty of Odontology; the administration of the Medical Academy Simulation Centre; the Faculties of Nursing and Pharmacy; and, from the Veterinary Academy, the heads of the Dr. L. Kriaučeliūnas Small Animal Clinic and Large Animal Clinic, the Wildlife Rescue Centre, the Department of Food Safety and Quality, andthe Veterinary Academy Simulation Centre.

LSMU Growing More Attractive to Finnish Students

This academic year, 13 new students from Finland began their studies at LSMU, and in total, 40 Finnish citizens are currently studying at the university in English. It is expected that participation in the Helsinki “Studia” fair will inspire even more young people to choose LSMU for their academic future.

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JAMA Neurology is an international peer-reviewed journal intended for physicians working with patients who have neurological disorders, as well as for all those interested in the structure, function, and diseases of the nervous system. The journal aims not only to publish original scientific research but also to provide a platform for meaningful discussions on clinical practice, ethics, education, and developments in neuroscience.

More information about the journal.

The post New Journal Subscription: JAMA Neurology! appeared first on LSMU.

Mental disorders pose a significant public health challenge due to their prevalence, impact on quality of life and economic burden, calling for demanding policy action. According to WHO data, mental health issues cost the EU€600 billion annually, equivalent to 4.1% of GDP. The pandemic has further exacerbated this crisis, particulary affecting young people and those with pre-existing conditions.

In parallel, the global aging population continues to grow, with 9% of people currently over 64 years old. The United Nations (UN) projects that by 2050, this figure will increase to 16%, meaning that one in six people will be over 64 years old (UN 2019; Yang, Zheng, and Zhao 2021). Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as dementia and other neurological disorders, considered the seventh leading cause of death and the main cause of dependency among the elderly, being present in 70% of cases. Neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, the most common neurological disorder associated with dementia, accounti[ng for 60-70% of all dementia cases, currently affecting over 55 million individuals worldwide. The pandemic has placed additional pressures on people’s mental health, especially among the young and those with pre-existing mental health conditions.

To address these challenges, the European Commission has prioritized mental health alongside physical health, introducing 20 flagship initiatives supported by €1.23 billion in funding from different financial instruments. The Joint Action JADE Health – Joint Action addressing DEmentia and HEALTH – is one of these projects designed to integrate validated best practices and/or (cost-)effective interventions across countries and regions through transnational pilot initiatives, complementing and reinforcing existing policies and programs.

Project partners from 17 countries, 22 Affiliated Entities (AE) and 8 Associated partners (AP) as well as major stakeholders will gather on 12-13^th February 2025, in Merida, Spain for the kick-off event of the Joint Action JADE health. The event will be organised by the Fundacion Para La Formacion e Investigacion de los Profesionales de la Salud de Extremadura (FUNDESALUD), the lead partner and coordinator of the consortium.

Corinne Salinas, JADE Health project advisor from HaDEA, the European Health and Digital Executive Agency of the European Commision, and highh-level experts in the field of dementia and related stigma, will participate in the event.

JADE Health adopts a comprehensive and holistic approach to healthcare, focusing on multiple dimensions of well-being. These include enhancing health literacy, raising awareness about dementia, and promoting early detection through screening and primary prevention, particularly among high-risk populations. The project is committed to supporting individuals living with dementia or other neurological disorders by fostering early intervention and improving education. Furthermore, JADE Health seeks to elevate societal awareness of dementia by providing targeted education to relatives, care professionals, and other key stakeholders.

The kick off event will provide a unique opportunity to deep dive in the challenges, main goals and key components of the project, aligning with the European Commission’s ‘Comprehensive Approach to Mental Health 2023: https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/promoting-our-european-way-life/european-health-union/comprehensive-approach-mental-health_en . Additionally, the event will facilitate the establishment of a common vision among project partners, focusing on the selection of best practices and care models for adaptation, while also outlining the next steps for work package tasks.

The Lithuanian University of Health Science (LSMU), a consortium partner from Lithuania plays a crucial role in various tasks across different work packages. In particular, the University is leading Work Package 8 (WP8) on “Care pathways for persons with dementia and neurodegenerative disorders”. In addition, LSMU is actively involved in Work Package 6 (WP6) on “Early detection of neurocognitive disorders”, Work Package 7 (WP7) on ” Towards a harmonized and synergistic prevention of dementia and stroke” and Work Package 9 (WP9) on ” Person-centred new care models”. WP6, WP8, and WP9 will implement pilot care models based on selected best clinical practices. These models aim to improve care for people with dementia and organize services in line with international practice.

The dedicated team at LSMU contributing to the JADE Health Joint Action includes: Prof. Dr Jūratė Macijauskienė, Prof. Dr. Ida Liseckienė, Dr. Greta Najūtė, Associate Professor Lina Danusevičienė, Dr. Aistė Pranckevičienė, Dr. Raimonda Petrolienė and Dr. Birutė Bartkevičiūtė (internal coordinator of the project within the institution).

This collaborative effort represents a commitment to advancing dementia care through research, innovation and transnational cooperation. By sharing knowledge and implementing best practice, the JADE Health Joint Action aims to improve the lives of people with dementia and their families. The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania plays a key role in this project, ensuring alignment with national healthcare policy and promoting sustainability.

On 12-13th February 2025, the Joint Action JADE Health project will hold its kick-off event in Merida, Spain. This event will be organised by the Fundación Para La Formación e Investigación de los Profesionales de la Salud de Extremadura (FUNDESALUD), the lead partner and coordinator of the consortium. The event will feature presentations on dementia research, EU4Health strategies, and project work packages.  The meeting will also include discussions on project management, communication, and synergies with other initiatives.  Prof. Dr. Ida Liseckienė from LSMU will attend the event and represent the institution.

About JADEHEALTH:

The overarching objective of JADE Health aims to improve prevention, early detection and management of dementia and other neurological disorders, thus reducing health inequalities and addressing the needs of vulnerable population. This will be achieved through evidence-based exchange of best practice to ensure sustainability, placing a strong emphasis on prevention and early detection and involves the implementation of a new diagnosis and treatment model leveraging cutting-edge technology.

JADE Health consortium represents an unprecedented collaborative effort, uniting 17 European countries to address dementia. The participating countries are: Spain, Denmark, Malta, Estonia, Norway, Italy, Ukraine, Germany, Slovenia, Finland, Latvia, Poland, Bulgaria, Hungary, Croatia, Czechia and Lithuania. This large-scale initiative will facilitate the creation of a comprehensive picture of the dementia landscape across Europe. By fostering collaboration, JADE health will gain valuable insights into the global impact of dementia, encompassing its influence on society, the environment, families, and broader social spheres. Consortium partners are a mix of national and regional ministries of health, healthcare services, public health institutions, medical universities, research organisations, health foundations, dementia and mental health centres and municipalities. The multidisciplinary nature of the consortium allows to address dementia across its entire spectrum, from preventive measures and early detection strategies to treatment options and the development of effective public policies, in order to improve the quality of life of both the sick persons and their environment

Funded by the European Union’s EU4Health fund, the JA will span three years and will be coordinated at both the European and national levels by the FUNDACION PARA LA FORMACION E INVESTIGACION DE LOS PROFESIONALES DE LASALUD DE EXTREMADURA (FUNDESALUD).