News

AFFIRMO Final Conference to Showcase New Perspectives on Integrated Care for Older Adults with Multimorbidity

  • 08 July 2026

TARGET announces the upcoming Final Conference of the AFFIRMO project, taking place on 8 September 2026 as a hybrid event. The conference will bring together leading international experts, researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and patient representatives to discuss the future of integrated care for older adults living with multimorbidity and atrial fibrillation.

Toward the Virtual Human: TARGET, VITAL and GEMINI Showcase Advances in Multi-Organ Digital Twins for Cardiovascular Medicine

  • 08 June 2026

On 28th May 2026, the TARGET project hosted the cluster activity “Toward the Virtual Human: Multi-Organ Digital Twins for Cardiovascular Medicine”. The session was a great success in terms of attendance, bringing together around 115 participants!

TARGET’s Third Annual Meeting in Thessaloniki: Advancing Co-Design, Clinical Studies and Collaboration

  • 01 June 2026

TARGET’s third Annual Meeting in Thessaloniki brought partners together for two days of collaboration, innovation and shared progress toward the future of personalised healthcare. Hosted by CERTH, the meeting focused on advancing TARGET’s digital tools, clinical studies and AI-driven virtual twin technologies to support better prevention, management and rehabilitation pathways for cardiovascular and stroke care.

World Heart Rhythm Week 2026: Just one month to go!

  • 06 May 2026

With just one month remaining until World Heart Rhythm Week 2026, organized by our partner, Arrhythmia Alliance, healthcare professionals, patients, and advocacy groups around the world are gearing up for a major push to raise awareness about heart rhythm disorders.

TARGET-VITAL-GEMINI Cluster Activity – Toward the Virtual Human: Multi-Organ Digital Twins for Cardiovascular Medicine

  • 05 May 2026

On 28th May 2026, TARGET is hosting the cluster activity “Toward the Virtual Human: Multi-Organ Digital Twins for Cardiovascular Medicine” in collaboration with two other Horizon Europe projects VITAL and GEMINI. The activities will take place in Thessaloniki at the Centre for Research & Technology Hellas (CERTH) with the possibility to join online.

Help shape the future of hearth health: join the UE’s Call for Evidence

  • 29 April 2026

The European Commission is inviting citizens, healthcare professionals, patient groups, and organisations across Europe to help shape the future of cardiovascular disease prevention by sharing their views on improving the early identification and screening of cardiovascular diseases.

ERC Report highlights path to trustworthy AI in healthcare

  • 30 March 2026

A new report from the European Research Council (ERC) highlights the vital role of AI research in reshaping healthcare and supporting the implementation of the EU’s framework for trustworthy AI. Focusing on ERC-funded health projects, it demonstrates how frontier research is contributing to safer, more transparent, and more effective AI systems across Europe.

New European Network to support AI-Powered Advanced Screening Centres

  • 23 March 2026

As part of its Apply AI Strategy, the European Commission has announced a new European Network of AI-Powered Advanced Screening Centres, designed to enhance disease prevention and early diagnosis across Europe.

New Study Published: Innovative Monitoring for Early Detection of Atrial Fibrillation (NOTE-AF)

  • 13 March 2026

The TARGET project is excited to announce the publication of a new paper titled "Intelligent Monitoring to Predict Atrial Fibrillation (NOTE-AF): Clinical Study 1 for the 'Health Virtual Twins for the Personalized Management of Stroke Related to Atrial Fibrillation (TARGET)' Project – A Protocol for a Prospective Cohort Analysis" in BMJ Open.

Call for Abstracts HRC2026 – Lead the Future of Heart Rhythm Care

  • 13 March 2026

Abstract submissions are now open for the Heart Rhythm Congress 2026 (HRC2026), taking place from October 11th to 13th, 2026, in Birmingham, UK. Organized by TARGET’s partner Arrhythmia Alliance, this premier event is the perfect opportunity to share your research, innovations, and clinical insights in the field of heart rhythm disorders.

TARGET Hosts Expert Roundtable in Liverpool to Advance AI and Digital Twins in Healthcare Policy 

  • 04 February 2026

On 28th January 2026, the TARGET Project convened a high-level expert roundtable in Liverpool to accelerate the translation of research on artificial intelligence (AI) and digital twins in healthcare into policy and clinical practice.

HaDEA Showcase Event 2026: Advancing EU Competitiveness and Preparedness

  • 22 January 2026

On 19th January 2026, the second edition of the HaDEA Showcase Event was held in Brussels, welcoming participants both on site and via online streaming.

Horizon Europe Cluster 1 Health: Upcoming Info Day and Brokerage Event

  • 15 January 2026

The Horizon Europe Info Day dedicated to Cluster 1 – Health, scheduled for 10 February 2026, together with the online Brokerage Event taking place from 26 to 30 January, will offer important opportunities for the TARGET project and its wider stakeholder community to engage with upcoming EU funding priorities in health research and innovation.

New Steps in European Healthcare: EESC Backs Simplification of Medical Device and in vitro diagnostics Rules

  • 14 January 2026

European healthcare is entering a new phase of transformation. The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has expressed its support for the European Commission’s proposal to modernise and simplify the EU’s regulatory framework for medical devices and in vitro diagnostic tools.

EU Launches "Safe Hearts Plan" to Combat Cardiovascular Diseases

  • 17 December 2025

The European Commission has launched the Safe Hearts Plan, a new EU-wide strategy to reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases through prevention, early detection and improved care by 2035. The plan sets ambitious targets to cut premature deaths, expand screening, harness digital innovation and address health inequalities, while strengthening cooperation across Member States to improve cardiovascular health outcomes and reduce economic costs.

URV Showcases Breakthrough AI MRI Pipeline for Post-Stroke Outcome Prediction at ESC Heart & Stroke 2025 – EuroThrombosis 2025

  • 24 November 2025

The Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV) made a significant impact at the joint ESC Heart & Stroke 2025 – EuroThrombosis 2025 congress, held on November 15–16 at the University of Milan (Milan, IT).

EHMC 2026: Call for Abstracts Now Open!

  • 18 November 2025

The European Health Management Conference (EHMC) 2026 has opened its Call for Abstracts, welcoming submissions from professionals and researchers in health management until 11 January 2026. Centred on the theme “Future-proofing health systems for a changing world,” the call accepts short papers or structured abstracts across five key tracks, with multiple presentation formats available.

European Commission Launches Public Consultation on the European Research Area (ERA) Act

  • 07 November 2025

The European Commission has opened a public consultation on the European Research Area (ERA) Act, aiming to boost Europe’s research and innovation system and promote the free movement of researchers, knowledge, and technology. Open until 23 January 2026, the consultation invites feedback to shape the upcoming ERA Act proposal.

EACH Cardiovascular Health Summit: A Landmark Event in Brussels

  • 30 October 2025

The EACH Cardiovascular Health Summit, organized by the European Alliance for Cardiovascular Health, will take place in Brussels on December 10-11, 2025. The summit will bring together health stakeholders to discuss the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan, prevention strategies, and policies to reduce premature cardiovascular deaths. The event will highlight the role of innovation, patient experiences, and investments in advancing cardiovascular health across Europe.

IMIM Showcases TARGET Virtual Twin Advances at VHGS II 2025

  • 25 October 2025

At VHGS II 2025 in Barcelona and New York, IMIM showcased the TARGET project’s AI-driven Virtual Human Twins for personalized stroke care. Dr. Eva Giralt presented innovations in managing atrial fibrillation-related stroke (AFRS), focusing on improved risk prediction, treatment, and rehabilitation. TARGET’s work marks a significant step in transforming stroke care and promoting global collaboration in Virtual Human Twins technology.

Two-Day Immersion in Virtual Human Twins

  • 23 October 2025

Two back-to-back events (21–22 October) spotlighted Europe’s Virtual Human Twins (VHT) drive—from policy and ethics to technical deployment—aimed at accelerating innovation and making personalized medicine real through trustworthy, data-rich, AI-enabled models.

The Future of Healthcare: Two Major Virtual Human Twins (VHT) Events Ahead!

  • 10 October 2025

Two events in October 2025 will focus on the future of Virtual Human Twins (VHT), offering opportunities to explore innovations in personalized medicine and AI. These gatherings aim to unite stakeholders from across Europe to advance VHT technology, with the goal of transforming healthcare practices and promoting cross-sector collaboration.

British Science Festival: TARGET Showcases AI-Powered Healthcare Innovation

  • 09 October 2025

Liverpool, 13 September 2025 — The TARGET project took part in the British Science Festival in Liverpool with an interactive and educational activity: the TARGET Escape Room.

Ghent to host Europe’s health data community for the i~HD Annual Conference 2025

  • 07 October 2025

This December, Ghent will host the i~HD Annual Conference, celebrating its 10th anniversary under the theme "A Decade of Joining the Dots – Towards Bridging Data Spaces." The event, taking place on 3-4 December 2025, will bring together policymakers, researchers, clinicians, and innovators to explore the future of the European Health Data Space (EHDS). Topics include AI adoption in healthcare, data transparency, and empowering patients with digital health information.

EU4Health Programme: New Funding Call Now Open!

  • 06 October 2025

The EU4Health Programme has launched its 2025 funding call. This opportunity covers nine key topics, with a focus on improving cardiovascular health through AI and data-driven solutions. Topics 4 and 5 specifically address enhancing prevention, treatment, and health outcomes in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The call, open until January 6, 2026, invites proposals from legal entities across EU Member States and other eligible countries. An online info session will be held on October 9, 2025.

Help Shape the Future of Health Data Use: TEHDAS2 Public Consultation

  • 03 October 2025

The TEHDAS2 project has launched a comprehensive public consultation aimed at refining the guidelines and technical specifications essential for facilitating the secondary use of health data across Europe.

TARGET project at the British Science Festival 2025: Come and play the AI Puzzle Lab

  • 04 September 2025

The TARGET project will host the innovative “AI Puzzle Lab: Decode the Future of Healthcare” game on 13th September, at The Bistro, Bluecoat, in collaboration with LJMU and UoL.

IHI Brokerage Event 2025 Set to Boost Health Innovation Partnerships

  • 03 September 2025

Brussels will once again become the meeting point for Europe’s health innovation community this autumn, as the Innovative Health Initiative (IHI) hosts its Brokerage Event 2025 on 4–5 November.

Have your say: EU opens two key consultations on health

  • 25 August 2025

Two new EU consultations on public health are now open, giving healthcare providers and professionals, researchers, citizens and organisations the chance to share their input.

Harnessing Patient Engagement for Better Healthcare Solutions

  • 01 August 2025

A recent article published by the Innovative Health Initiative (IHI) highlights the IHI’s call for patient involvement as a cornerstone of effective healthcare innovation, ensuring solutions are practical, accessible, and impactful in real life. See how the TARGET project embraces this approach by integrating patient perspectives into its research and development.

TARGET and MAESTRIA Launch Collaboration to Advance Personalised Medicine

  • 10 July 2025

TARGET  is pleased to announce a new collaboration with the Horizon 2020-funded MAESTRIA project. Both initiatives are committed to advancing personalised and data-driven approaches to cardiovascular care and see strong potential in joining forces.

LJMU PhD Student to Unveil Innovative Stroke Prevention Research at "Research Roasters"

  • 12 June 2025

Our PhD student, Nosa Aikodon from Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), part of the TARGET research group, is set to deliver a compelling talk at the upcoming Research Roasters series in Liverpool. This public engagement event provides a unique opportunity for young researchers to discuss their scientific work with the general public.

TARGET Project Supports European Commission’s Vision for Future Research and Technology Infrastructures

  • 14 May 2025

The European commission has recently launched a valuable opportunity through a call for evidence, inviting researchers, industry leaders and innovators to share their insights and collaborate to shape the future European strategy for research and technology infrastructure

Exciting Research Opportunity in Artificial Intelligence at Liverpool John Moores University

  • 13 May 2025

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is inviting applications for a Research Associate in Artificial Intelligence to contribute to TARGET’s overarching goals: develop AI-based, personalised, and integrated multi-scale computational models (virtual twins) and decision-support tools to address the disease pathway of stroke related to atrial fibrillation (AF) This is a full-time, fixed-term position for two years, with a salary range of £31,637 – £37,174 per annum. The application deadline is 25 May 2025.

Shape the Future of Arrhythmia Care: Submit to HRC2025

  • 13 May 2025

TARGET’s partner ARRHYTHMIA ALLIANCE has recently launched a call for abstract submissions for Heart Rhythm Congress 2025 (HRC2025), taking place from 5 to 7 October 2025 at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham.

Launch of the Cardiovascular Health Group: Unveiling the Roadmap for Heart Health in the EU

  • 25 April 2025

During the debate on cardiovascular health held at the European Parliament in Brussels on April 23, the Cardiovascular Health Group was officially launched. Comprising 16 Members of the European Parliament, the new group represents the European Alliance for Cardiovascular Health (EACH) and will focus on advancing heart health across the EU.

MEP Cardiovascular Health Group Inauguration: Advancing Cardiovascular Research and Policy in Europe

  • 17 April 2025

The European Alliance for Cardiovascular Health (EACH) announces the launch of the MEP Cardiovascular Health Group, an informal interest group within the European Parliament.

COS-ABACUS: Development of a Core Outcome Set for trials on the management of Atrial fiBrillAtion in Critically Unwell patientS

  • 13 April 2025

TARGET partners, the Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science launched a new project aimed at developing an internationally recognised Core Outcome Set (COS), which will define clinically relevant outcomes to be used in future medical and scientific studies on New Onset Atrial Fibrillation (NOAF).

TARGET Project: Pioneering Virtual Twin Technology for Personalized Stroke Management in Atrial Fibrillation

  • 26 November 2024

The TARGET project, featured in the European Heart Journal on 20 November 2024, explores the use of AI and virtual twin technology to revolutionize personalized stroke management in atrial fibrillation.

Perspectives on Sustainability of the Virtual Human Twin (VHT) Initiative – Spotlight on the TARGET Project

  • 03 October 2024

On 25 September, leading figures from healthcare, academia, and industry gathered for the highly anticipated webinar “Perspectives on Sustainability of the VHT from EU Member States and Key Partners” organized by DIGITALEUROPE and EDITH.

Heart Rhythm Congress 2024: A Premier Cardiology Event in Birmingham Showcasing Virtual Twin-Driven AI for AF and Stroke Management

  • 24 September 2024

Birmingham, UK — From October 6 to 8, 2024, the heart rhythm community will gather at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham for the 19th annual “Heart Rhythm Congress (HRC2024)”, the UK’s largest and most comprehensive event focused on arrhythmias. With over 2,200 global healthcare professionals expected to attend, HRC2024 will feature cutting-edge developments in cardiology, from clinical breakthroughs to digital innovation.

The Use of AI in Medical Devices and the AI Act: A Milestone for Innovation and Safety in Europe

  • 15 September 2024

August 1, 2024, marks a turning point for the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the European Union, with the entry into force of the Artificial Intelligence Act.

TARGET Project Publishes First Paper: AI-Based Derivation of Atrial Fibrillation Phenotypes in General and Critical Care Populations

  • 11 September 2024

TARGET researchers from Liverpool John Moores University, University of Liverpool, and Radboud University Medical Centre publish the project’s first paper on (AI)-based methodology to deliver clinical phenotypes of AF patients.

TARGET Takes Center Stage at Liverpool Soapbox Science: Exploring the Future with Virtual Selves

  • 25 July 2024

Dr. Sandra Ortega-Martorell, Principal Investigator of the TARGET project, brought AI and digital twin research to the public at the Soapbox Science event on July 20, 2024.

European cluster on cardiac disease and multimorbidity management - Three EU-funded projects launch new cluster focused on cardiac disease and multimorbidity management

  • 12 June 2024

The TARGET project, along with AFFIRMO and ARISTOTELES, Horizon funded projects focused on cardiac diseases and associated comorbidities, launched the “European cluster on cardiac disease and multimorbidity management”, a new informal cluster to collaborate and extend the impact of their research.

TARGET Project to join AI Roundtable “Common challenges of AI strategies-related EU/HaDEA funded projects”

  • 26 May 2024

The TARGET project will participate in a roundtable on AI strategies organised by the REPEAT project and hosted at Aristotle University in Thessaloniki, Greece on June 10, 2024. This hybrid event will address critical challenges in AI-powered healthcare tools and feature Dr. Sandra Ortega-Martorell representing the TARGET project.

New postdoctoral research associate opportunity in AI & healthcare at the University of Liverpool

  • 17 May 2024

TARGET’s project partner University of Liverpool has announced a new Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) position at the Department of Eye and Vision Sciences and the Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science (LCCS) to support the delivery of the EU project TARGET

TARGET project consortium welcomes new member in the team: Maia Campanale from Hospital del Mar Research Institute Barcelona!

  • 23 April 2024

The TARGET project consortium is thrilled to announce a new member in our team, we welcome Maia Campanale! Maia is engaged as a biomedical engineer in the TARGET project as a member of the Neurovascular Research Group (NEUVAS) at the Hospital Del Mar Research Institute Barcelona (IMIM). Let’s dive deeper into her story!

TARGET Researchers at the Pint of Science Festival!

  • 16 April 2024

Join TARGET researchers at the Pint of Science Festival on May 14th for a session titled 'Digital Twins: The AI Revolution in Healthcare is Here!' Explore how artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare with digital twins.

Embracing the Future: From Semantic Web to Healthcare Innovations

  • 27 March 2024

The TARGET project consortium is thrilled to announce a new addition to our team, Dr. Dominik Tomaszuk. Dominik is engaged as a post-doctoral researcher in the TARGET project as a member of the Databases and Artificial Intelligence group at TU Wien, Austria. Let's dive deeper into his story!

New open position: LJMU seeks research associate for groundbreaking AI solutions for AF-related stroke research!

  • 15 February 2024

TARGET’s project leader Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) has announced a research associate position, 3 years fixed term (with the possibility of extension), at the School of Computer Science and Mathematics to support the delivery of the EU Project TARGET.

Exciting Post-Doc Opportunity: Lund University Seeks Research Innovator for TARGET Project's Healthcare Focus!

  • 13 February 2024

TARGET’s partner Lund University has announced a post-doctoral position at the Centre for Environmental and Climate Science, CEC. This role is centred on research activities in machine learning, imaging and big data with focus specifically on healthcare challenges.

TARGET Project Takes Flight: A Paradigm Shift in Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke Management

  • 22 January 2024

The TARGET project officially started on 1st January 2024. The multidisciplinary consortium will work for the next five years to help prevent AF and AFRS, optimise acute management and rehabilitation, reduce long-term disability, provide a better quality of life for patients and caregivers, and lower healthcare costs.