On 24–25 November 2025, consortium partners gathered at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, for the 6th BIO-STREAMS General Assembly. The two-day event provided a valuable opportunity to review recent clinical and technical progress, align on project priorities, and define the next critical steps for implementation.
The meeting opened with remarks from the project coordinator (ICCS), followed by updates on coordination and project management considerations.
The discussions then progressed through several work packages:
- WP2 (Requirements and Blueprint), chaired by Harokopio University of Athens.
- WP3 (Common Data Information Model), led by the University of Ioannina, explored the incorporation of cost data, data ontology requirements, and updates on retrospective data collection.
- WP4 (BIO-STREAMS Biobank), chaired by ICCS, addressed key elements of the Biobank, including its information management system, security framework, regulatory considerations, and additional components.
- WP5 (Obesity Platform), led by Netcompany-Intrasoft, was discussed in depth, with partners presenting updates on their assigned components. The conversation covered platform architecture, dashboards, analytics, personalised interventions, and the timeline for platform release.
Day 2: Communication, Pilots, and Clinical Studies Take Center Stage
The second day began with a review of WP7 (Communication, dissemination and exploitation activities) lead by partner Martel, highlighting cluster initiatives (within OBEClust), and the design of initiatives to promote the project’s mission and leave a legacy of healthy eating habits across children and adolescents . Discussions also covered project exploitation and upcoming events, including a brief update from EASO on policy recommendations and the adoption of person-first language in obesity communication.
The meeting proceeded with WP6 (Actor Engagement Strategy, Pilot and Bio-Streams framework Evaluation), chaired by the University of Maribor, and focused on school pilots, clinical studies, and their practical implementation. Key aspects of the school pilots were discussed, including legal requirements, timelines, ethical approvals, and overall coordination. At the same time, important considerations for both prospective and retrospective clinical studies were also reviewed.
Overall, the two days provided an important forum for partners to align on future actions, advance the implementation of key outcomes, and continue driving innovation in obesity research and care.
