On September 23–24, the EARTO working group Emerging Technologies for Healthcare held an international meeting in Vilnius, Lithuania, at the FTMC (Center for Physical Sciences and Technology), the largest research institution in Lithuania. Metrosert was represented at the meeting by Anders Eriksson, a leading researcher in the field of health data, who discussed the future possibilities of health technologies with top experts from Finland, Austria, Germany, France, Ireland, Portugal, and Lithuania.
The topics discussed at the meeting included health data, funding opportunities, and the development of new technologies. Particular attention was paid to the European Health Data Space and strengthening society’s resilience and security. The aim of the working group is to raise issues necessary for the development of health technologies, provide input to the European Commission in shaping research programs, and promote international cooperation.
The interdisciplinary nature of the working group was described by one of the meeting’s leaders, FTMC chemist Dr. Rasa Pauliukaitė, as follows: “The working group is interdisciplinary – we include physicists, chemists, biologists, doctors, biotechnologists, and project managers from research and development institutions. We see that new technologies are increasingly being applied in the development of health technologies: quantum technologies, lasers, semiconductors, and new materials. In our discussions, we form subgroups that gather evidence and arguments as to why a particular topic should be included in European research or innovation programs, such as Horizon Europe. One example is rehabilitation technologies: although these are not yet sufficiently supported, they are of great importance in an aging society, in recovery from injuries, and in the case of chronic diseases. This does not only concern physiotherapy research, but also includes sensors, artificial intelligence and digital technologies, medical knowledge, and legal solutions,” noted Dr. Pauliukaitė.
In addition, it was decided to form a sub-group focusing on the commercialization of health technologies and the development of start-ups, where the biggest obstacles in Europe are differences between member states and bureaucracy. At the end of the meeting, the guests visited the FTMC laboratories and acknowledged the high level of FTMC’s research and the potential for international cooperation.
EARTO (European Association of Research and Technology Organizations), of which Metrosert is a member, brings together 350 research and development organizations from 32 countries, creating a platform for promoting European science and innovation. FTMC is Lithuania’s largest research institution, combining the fields of physics, chemistry and technology, and offering top scientists and research groups modern opportunities for research, development and innovation activities. The center employs over 500 researchers, actively trains doctoral students, and is a strong international partner in six different research areas.
