From May 7 to May 8 2025, BIO-STREAMS held its 5th General Assembly in the dynamic city of Barcelona, hosted by the University Hospital Vall d’Hebron (VHIR). This two-day event provided a platform for partners to review the progress of their work packages, share valuable insights, and outline the next steps in addressing the growing obesity epidemic affecting children and adolescents across Europe and beyond.
Welcoming Remarks and Project Updates
The assembly kicked off with a warm welcome and overarching considerations from Eleftheria Velleidou, the Project Coordinator from the Institute of Communication and Computer Systems (ICCS) at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). Following this, work package leaders and task leaders presented updates on the key components of the project, showcasing the significant progress made in various areas. On the first day, discussions also focused on partners’ participation in the upcoming European Congress on Obesity conference (ECO – stay tuned for more details!). In addition, progress within the Obesity Cluster of Obesity Research Projects (OBEClust) was reviewed, highlighting future collaboration opportunities and the progress since October 2024, when the Communication and Dissemination Working Group of the cluster kicked off.
Day 2: Parallel Sessions – Clinical and Technical Breakouts
The second day featured parallel sessions, with clinical and technical partners diving into specific areas of the project. Clinical Partners moved into the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute and focused on discussing recruitment strategies, ensuring that all processes adhere to the legal frameworks governing data sharing and storage. Additionally, pilot countries discussed organizational details related to workshops, ensuring smooth execution in the upcoming phases of the project. Technical Partners engaged in discussions about critical aspects of the project’s infrastructure, including the development of the biobank, which is central to the collection and management of valuable data.
Bridging Theory and Practice
As the event progressed, theory gave way to practice with the introduction of a preliminary version of the Active Health App, including a display of its games. Partners were invited to provide their feedback, a vital step in refining the app before its broader launch, keeping to mind user experience for the benefit of children and their parents.
The 5th General Assembly proved to be an invaluable opportunity for BIO-STREAMS partners to chart the course for the next stages of the project. With a united team and a clear vision, BIO-STREAMS is poised to continue making strides in reversing the obesity epidemic and providing personalised solutions.