On September 30th and October 1st, 2024, the MELIORA project partners came together for their second Consortium Meeting in Valencia, Spain. Representatives from across Europe gathered to discuss significant progress and set new goals in their mission to reduce breast cancer risk through AI-powered lifestyle interventions. Hosted by INCLIVA Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, the two-day meeting was a pivotal moment for MELIORA, highlighting the project’s growing momentum. 

The event kicked off with a warm welcome from INCLIVA, followed by Harokopio University of Athens presenting an overview of the project’s current status. Throughout the meeting, partners shared valuable updates on different aspects of the project, including stakeholder engagement, implementation strategies, and technical developments. SWPS University provided insights into literature reviews and workshops conducted across Europe, focusing on factors influencing breast cancer prevention, while INCLIVA led a fruitful discussion on how best to adapt interventions and educational materials for the MELIORA Virtual Coach. 

One of the pivotal moments came when partners were given a sneak peek of the MELIORA Mobile App, which is set to launch next year. Technical partners, including CERTH, showcased the advancements in data collection and integration, offering a glimpse of how the app will empower women with personalized health recommendations tailored to their unique circumstances. 

The second day of the meeting focused on the next phase of intervention implementation. Harokopio University reviewed the upcoming tasks, while EHMA shared updates on communications, stakeholder engagement, and potential synergies with other projects within the Prevention and Early Detection Cluster (Behavioural Change). Discussions also touched on the importance of ethical guidelines and effective project management to ensure smooth coordination as the project progresses. 

Adding to the collaborative spirit of the meeting was an engaging workshop led by EUFIC, which fostered discussions on the development of educational materials and awareness campaigns for the intervention. The timing of the meeting couldn’t have been more fitting, as October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month—a perfect opportunity to reflect on the significance of prevention efforts and reaffirm the consortium’s commitment to empowering women across Europe. 

As the meeting concluded, participants expressed their excitement for what lies ahead, particularly the anticipated launch of the MELIORA app. With October serving as a poignant reminder of the importance of breast cancer awareness and prevention, the consortium left Valencia energized and ready to continue their vital work.