On 15–16 October 2026, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice (UPJŠ) hosted an international face-to-face meeting of partners involved in the European research project eCREAM (enabling Clinical Research in Emergency and Acute care Medicine through automated data extraction). As one of the project partners and co-organisers of the event, UPJŠ welcomed international researchers, healthcare professionals and experts to discuss project achievements, exchange knowledge and coordinate future activities.
The meeting was officially opened by Dr Guido Bertolini, project coordinator from the Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri in Italy, who welcomed the participants and highlighted the importance of international collaboration in achieving the project’s objectives.
The opening address was followed by a welcome speech delivered by Prof. Peter Mitro, MD, PhD, the project’s principal investigator at UPJŠ and coordinator of the Slovak research team. In his remarks, Professor Mitro welcomed the international partners to the university, introduced the host institution and offered an insight into the rich history and cultural heritage of Košice.
The participants were also welcomed by Prof. Daniel Pella, MD, PhD, Rector of Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, whose presence emphasised the university’s commitment to international research cooperation and its active participation in European scientific initiatives.
Scientific Programme Focused on Project Progress and Future Collaboration
Following the opening speeches, the meeting continued with a scientific and technical programme during which representatives of the partner institutions presented the current progress of the project, key achievements and planned activities.
Particular attention was paid to the use of electronic health records in emergency medicine, automated extraction and processing of clinical data, and the potential of advanced digital technologies and artificial intelligence to support clinical research.
An important component of the eCREAM project is research focusing on the perspectives of patients and healthcare professionals regarding the use of digital tools in emergency care. The Department of Social and Behavioural Medicine, Faculty of Medicine UPJŠ, plays an active role in these activities and, under the leadership of Dr. Iveta Nagyova, PhD, FABMR, co-coordinates the activities of this work package at the international level. The findings presented during the meeting highlighted the experiences, needs, and expectations of patients and healthcare providers, as well as opportunities for the effective and user-centred implementation of eHealth tools.
The programme also included working sessions and discussions, providing an opportunity for clinical, scientific and technological partners to exchange experiences and address challenges related to project implementation. Particular attention was given to the practical application of research findings and the next steps towards improving the quality of emergency healthcare services.
Discovering the History and Culture of Košice
In addition to the scientific programme, the organisers prepared a cultural and social programme to introduce international participants to the historical and cultural heritage of Košice.
During the evening, the guests enjoyed a guided tour of the historic city centre, discovering some of the city’s most significant landmarks and learning about its history and traditions.
The evening continued with a social dinner, providing an informal setting for discussions, networking and strengthening professional relationships among the project partners.
These activities contributed to the friendly and collaborative atmosphere of the meeting and offered participants an opportunity to experience the hospitality of Košice.
eCREAM Project – Advancing Clinical Research in Emergency Medicine
The international eCREAM project, funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe programme, aims to advance clinical research in emergency and acute care medicine through the automated extraction and analysis of data from electronic health records.
The project focuses on developing innovative technological solutions to facilitate the effective use of clinical data, support healthcare quality assessment and improve evidence-based decision-making in emergency care.
Hosting the international eCREAM project meeting in Košice highlighted the active role of UPJŠ in the European Research Area and its commitment to fostering international scientific cooperation, medical research and innovative healthcare technologies.
The eCREAM project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No. 101057726.
For more information about the project, visit: https://ecreamproject.eu/
