FEAM NEWSLETTER | September 2025
Welcome back! As the summer months draw to a close, we are delighted to share with you the latest updates and activities from FEAM and its network. In this edition, you will find highlights from our member academies, including newly revised ethical guidelines on animal experimentation, innovative approaches to medical training, and recent contributions to One Health. You will also discover reports from recent conferences and announcements of upcoming events. We warmly thank all members and partners who contributed to this edition and shared their valuable work with us. And don’t forget to register for our Annual Lecture on “AI and Cybersecurity in Healthcare: Shaping Tomorrow’s Priorities,” taking place on 25 November at the Palais des Académies in Brussels – you will find more information and the relevant links in this newsletter.
REGISTER: FEAM ANNUAL LECTURE
The Federation of European Academies of Medicine (FEAM) invites you to its Annual Key Lecture 2025, “AI and Cybersecurity in Healthcare: Shaping Tomorrow’s Priorities,” on 25 November 2025 at the Palais des Académies in Brussels.
This high-level event will explore how AI—particularly in medical imaging—is transforming healthcare, while addressing the urgent need for cybersecurity, ethical governance, and the European Health Data Space (EHDS).
Highlights include:
· Keynote Lecture by Prof. Luis Martí-Bonmatí on AI and Radiology: Paving the New Horizons in Medical Innovation
· Panel Discussion: From Data to Care: Securing Trust in the European Health Data Space, with speakers from the OECD and CEPS (more to be announced soon)
· Closing Symposium: Data Protection Solutions: Practical Approaches for Trustworthy AI in Healthcare, organised with the Royal Netherlands Academy of Medicine
Don’t forget to register—full details and links are available in this newsletter.
25 November 2025, at Palais des academies
One Health to Global Health” agenda
The Bulletin of the French Veterinary Academy has recently published an article detailing FEAM’s ongoing commitment to operationalising the “One Health to Global Health” agenda. The contribution presents the concrete measures undertaken by FEAM to promote the integration of human, animal and environmental health in European policy frameworks. Particular attention is given to FEAM’s interactions with the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Scientific Advice Mechanism, ensuring that the One Health perspective is embedded in evidence-based policymaking. Beyond reporting on recent activities, the article also highlights future perspectives, stressing the necessity of sustained cross-sectoral collaboration and the translation of principles into actionable policies. It positions One Health not only as a scientific concept, but as a critical instrument for shaping resilient and coherent global health strategies.
Health-Extending Medicine in an Aging Society – Prospects for Medical Research and Practice”
The Leopoldina’s latest discussion paper, “Health-Extending Medicine in an Aging Society – Prospects for Medical Research and Practice”, explores how advances in the biology of aging can be translated into medical innovation to address the demographic shift toward an older population. By 2035, almost a third of Germany’s adult population will be over 65, with half experiencing multiple chronic conditions. The paper argues for a paradigm shift: from treating individual diseases to tackling the biological mechanisms of aging itself.
It highlights the potential of geroprotective interventions—drugs and therapies that delay or prevent multiple age-related diseases by targeting the aging process. The authors call for stronger investment in basic research, accelerated drug translation, the creation of national biobanks and geroscience-driven clinical trials, and the integration of evidence-based geromedicine into healthcare systems. The paper emphasises that only by embedding such approaches in medical research and practice can societies sustainably ensure longer healthspans and resilience against multimorbidity.
Integrating Research into Residency: Israel’s Model for Training Physician-Scientists
Article written by Prof. Jacob Sosna, Prof. Rivka Carmi, and Malke Borow from the Israeli Academy of Sciences in Medicine.
How can medical training prepare future doctors not only as clinicians but also as innovators? This article examines Israel’s distinctive approach to embedding research within residency.
At its core is the Basic Sciences Research period, a six-month paid requirement in most specialties, where residents conduct original projects supported by training in methodology, statistics, ethics and critical reading. Additional tracks strengthen this model: the proposed Resident-Researcher pathway grants sustained research time to residents with advanced degrees; a programme for MD-PhD graduates provides two full years of research during residency; and the Mavri fellowship extends training to allow 15 months of dedicated research.
These initiatives have built a strong physician-scientist community in Israel, fostering innovation, improving clinical outcomes and advancing translational medicine. Yet the article also highlights ongoing challenges, from workforce shortages to funding limitations, that must be addressed to sustain this success.
Recent Activities and Insights - Spotlight on Members
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On 18 June 2025, the French Academy of Pharmacy hosted a tri-academy conference, organised in collaboration with FEAM, on the pressing issue of medicine shortages in Europe. The conference gathered experts from across the scientific and medical communities to assess the scale and causes of shortages of essential health products, from supply chain vulnerabilities to regulatory challenges. Discussions also focused on potential solutions, highlighting the need for coordinated European action to strengthen resilience and safeguard patient care. This high-level exchange underscored the role of academies in informing policy debates on one of the most urgent challenges facing European healthcare systems today. The Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences (SAMS), together with the Swiss Academy of Sciences (SCNAT), has released revised ethical guidelines for animal experiments. While the Swiss Animal Welfare Act permits the use of animals for scientific purposes, it also requires respect for animal dignity and welfare. The updated guidelines are intended to clarify the discretion allowed by law and to encourage researchers to reflect critically on their use of animals in experiments. Nearly two decades after the last revision in 2005, the Ethics Committee for Animal Experimentation (ECAE) has revised the framework in light of new scientific knowledge, research methods and legal changes. The guidelines are available in English, German and French, and can be downloaded free of charge. Past FEAM President and Board member Prof. Stefan Constantinescu was aslo recently invited by the Portuguese Academy of Medicine to deliver a lecture in their series of evening sessions. His talk focused on “How European Medical Academies may contribute to the European Union Framework Programmes for Research and Innovation.” In his intervention, Prof. Constantinescu presented the role of SAPEA (Science Advice for Policy by European Academies) and highlighted how FEAM and its member academies contribute to evidence-based policymaking at the European level. He also shared his vision on the importance of strengthening the connection between academies, research, and EU priorities, underlining how medical academies can play a key role in shaping future Framework Programmes. This exchange offered an important opportunity to reflect on the contribution of European academies to research and innovation and to reinforce their relevance in supporting EU policy development.
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The Leopoldina has recently launched a new online database on the victims of biomedical research under National Socialism, developed in cooperation with the Max Planck Society. This resource makes available, for the first time, comprehensive information on individuals who suffered from unethical human experiments, thereby supporting both academic research and public remembrance. The project underlines the responsibility of the scientific community to confront its past and ensure transparency and accountability for future generations. In addition, the National German Academy of Sciences has published a statement on social media and the mental health of children and adolescents, highlighting both risks and opportunities linked to digital technologies. The report emphasises the urgent need for evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies, as well as stronger regulation and awareness-raising to mitigate harmful effects. An English version of the statement will be released in mid-September, expanding its reach to the international community.
Prof. Stefan Constantinescu at the 90th Anniversary of the Romanian Academy of Medical Sciences Past FEAM President and Board member Prof. Stefan Constantinescu recently took part in the celebration of the 90th anniversary of the Romanian Academy of Medical Sciences, held at the Romanian Academy in collaboration with the Academies of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences of Romania. During the event, Prof. Emanuel Ceaușu, General Secretary of the Romanian Academy of Medical Sciences, presented the Academy’s activities, while Prof. Constantinescu highlighted its role within FEAM, with a particular focus on advancing the One Health agenda.
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SAPEA Update
On 17 July 2025, FEAM and SAPEA co-hosted the webinar “One Health, One Planet: Highlighting the environment in One Health policy and practice.” The discussion focused on the environmental dimension of the One Health approach, an aspect often overshadowed by human and animal health. Speakers underlined the urgency of incorporating environmental considerations into both research and policymaking, addressing issues such as biodiversity loss, pollution, and climate change as critical determinants of
health. The event provided a valuable platform for experts and policymakers to exchange insights on how to better integrate environmental health into the European One Health agenda.
Mark Your Calendar
Upcoming Scientific Courses Organised by the Italian Academy of Medicine
FEAM is pleased to share information on two major international oncology courses organised by the Italian Academy of Medicine and taking place later this year in Italy:
- 21st Meet the Professor – Advanced International Breast Cancer Course (AIBCC)
11–12 September 2025, Padova
This renowned course brings together leading experts to discuss the latest advances in breast cancer research and clinical practice. It offers an important platform for exchange between clinicians, researchers, and students.
More information - THINK HADROM 2025 – Neuro-Oncology
10 October 2025, Pavia and online
Dedicated to neuro-oncology, this hybrid course will explore cutting-edge approaches and research in the field, offering both in-person and virtual participation.
More information
Royal Academy of Veterinary Sciences of Spain – September Events
The Royal Academy of Veterinary Sciences of Spain (RACVE) has announced two public sessions this September:
15 September 2025, 18:00 (CET)
“Cincuenta años de la RACVE. Una aproximación desde la historia”
A special session marking fifty years of the Academy, featuring a historical presentation by Miguel Ángel Vives Vallés, President of Section 5, along with a film on the Academy’s history presented by Diego Conde Gómez and José Antonio Mendizabal Aizpuru, Corresponding Academicians.
Programme details22 September 2025, 18:00 (CET)
“La especialización veterinaria en España: Retos y desafíos”
A lecture by Antonio Manuel Cruz Madorrán, Professor of Equine Surgery at Justus Liebig University Giessen and Director of CRUZ C.O.R.E. The session will explore current challenges and opportunities in veterinary specialization in Spain.
Programme details
Both sessions will take place at C/ Maestro Ripoll 8, 28006 Madrid, with the option to attend online via Zoom.
Advancing science for better health policy in Europe
