1st Extended Core Group Meeting of COST Action CardioPharmaGENET
On 1–2 October 2026, Sarajevo hosted the 1st Extended Core Group Meeting of COST Action CardioPharmaGENET (CA24165) at the International University of Sarajevo (IUS), bringing together members of the Action to review achievements from the first Grant Period, define priorities for the next implementation phase, and strengthen scientific collaboration within the international CardioPharmaGENET network.
The two-day meeting provided an important opportunity for the Core Group, Working Group representatives, Young Researchers and Innovators (YRIs), and other members of the network to jointly assess progress and shape the next steps of the Action.
Reviewing the first Grant Period and planning the next phase
The first day of the meeting focused on a comprehensive Grant Period 1 revision, including reports on the activities and achievements of Working Groups WG1–WG5, communication and dissemination activities, grant awarding procedures and results, budget implementation, and an overall review of the first year of the Action.
Representatives of the Working Groups presented the progress achieved so far, providing a basis for discussion on how the network can further strengthen cooperation and translate its activities into scientific outputs and new collaborative opportunities.
A major part of the programme was dedicated to Grant Period 2 planning. Discussions address the goals and deliverables of WBP2, the location, timing and scientific programme of the next Annual Meeting, future Training School activities, grants to be offered, and the broader scientific priorities of the Action.
Particular attention was given to identifying opportunities for future scientific outputs and collaborations, including target conferences, joint publications, relevant scientific journals and potential synergies with other projects and research networks.
The programme also included the presentation “JMCC Plus – A New Forum for Scientific Discovery and Discussion” by Davor Pavlović, Editor-in-Chief from the University of Birmingham.
Strengthening opportunities for Young Researchers and Innovators
One of the key components was the establishment of the Young Researchers and Innovators (YRI) Network within CardioPharmaGENET.
The dedicated session focused on the development of YRI Networks within Action, proposed coordination positions, future activities and scientific content, membership, and the timeline for implementation during WBP2.
By actively involving young researchers in these discussions, CardioPharmaGENET aims to create additional opportunities for networking, scientific collaboration, professional development, and greater participation of early-career researchers in the activities and future direction of the Action.
From Network to Impact
The second day of the meeting was organised around the theme “From Network to Impact: Strategic Priorities and Collaborative Actions.”
The programme shifted the focus towards translating the established international network into concrete scientific collaborations and future initiatives.
Sessions include discussions on modelling in pharmacoeconomics and the QALYpricing Conference, as well as opportunities for strengthening research collaboration and identifying future funding opportunities within CardioPharmaGENET.
Through moderated round-table discussions, participants explored opportunities for future research and collaboration, as well as approaches to advancing network activities, dissemination and impact.
Building stronger international research connections
Hosting the first extended Core Group Meeting in Sarajevo represents an important opportunity to bring the CardioPharmaGENET community together, strengthen existing partnerships, create new connections and jointly define the scientific and organisational priorities for the next phase of the Action.
Through two days of strategic discussions, scientific exchange and collaborative planning, the meeting contributed to the broader goal of CardioPharmaGENET: building a strong and sustainable European research network capable of generating new knowledge, supporting researchers at different career stages and creating opportunities for meaningful scientific collaboration and impact.
