We just had an incredible kick-off meeting for the ONCODIReu project at the premises of the Informations Technologies Institute at CERTH in Thessaloniki! This meeting marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey towards evidence-based participatory decision-making for cancer prevention.

During the kick-off meeting, our dedicated AUTH iMedPhys team, along with CSD AUTH and our 26 complementary partners, came together to align our goals, strategies, and expectations. The energy in the room was palpable as experts from multidisciplinary research, technology, and SSH domains shared their insights and expertise.

We discussed the critical importance of addressing colorectal cancer (CRC) and its correlation with adverse health behaviors, especially in lower socioeconomic status populations. With a focus on integrating various research methods, AI-powered technologies, and decision-support theories, we are committed to developing innovative, personalized cancer prevention programs that will make a tangible difference.

The ONCODIR project aims to deliver evidence-based prevention approaches, taking into account cost-effectiveness, affordability, and cost-benefit parameters. We recognize the need for robust evaluation methods and will explore cost-balancing and demand-generating financial schemes to enhance CRC prevention programs.

The meeting also emphasized the significance of citizen involvement, health policy actors, and experts in social sciences and humanities (SSH). Together, we will ensure that the technology ecosystem we develop is grounded in AI trustworthiness and privacy-preserving principles, enabling the deployment of tailored recommendation services based on citizens' needs.

We are truly honored to be a part of this consortium of exceptional partners with a proven track record of high-quality research capacity. Over the next 42 months, we will be working diligently to meet the objectives of Oncodir EU and deliver policy-supporting outcomes with significant exploitation potential.

This project receives funding from the European Union’s Horizon Research and Innovation Programme, under Grant Agreement No 101104777 (HADEA). We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and are committed to creating a future where evidence-based decisions lead to better health outcomes for all.

Stay tuned as we embark on this transformative journey! Follow us for updates, insights, and the latest developments in the fight against colorectal cancer. Together, let's drive positive change and make a difference!