In December 2024, the Swedish node assumed the chairmanship of EATRIS in the framework of the EATRIS Spotlight Programme, succeeding the inaugural Spotlight of EATRIS Spain. The designated theme for the six-month term was Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare, reflecting the growing importance of digital innovation in translational medicine.
During its six-month time in the spotlight, the Swedish node highlighted its member infrastructures, participation in EU programs, project collaborations with industry, and national expertise in translational medicine. EATRIS Sweden also used the Spotlight to raise its profile nationally. As part of these efforts, the National Director Pontus Aspenström and National Coordinator Ulrika Bäckman actively participated in a wide range of events, including several with a strong focus on Artificial Intelligence.
On 26 May 2025, the Spotlight program culminated in a symposium in Stockholm, titled AI in Healthcare – Opportunities, Challenges and Ethical Considerations. The event featured distinguished national and international speakers from academia and healthcare, representing a broad variety of research fields. It was a well-attended gathering that also brought together representatives from all EATRIS national nodes, healthcare providers, funding organisations, and research infrastructures.
Even though the Spotlight programme has now ended and Portugal is taking over as host, we will not be leaving our focus on Artificial Intelligence. Plans are now underway to organise a new symposium with an increased focus on Sustainable AI—an important topic that engages many.
