Minutes of the BEACON Network Videocall, 21st November 2024
On EU4Health grant calls and literature review
Date: Thursday 21st of November, 2024
Time: 16 - 17:10 hours, CEST
Attendees:
Dr. Ana Maria Labrador-Garcia – Institute for Globally Distributed Open Research and Education, Sweden
Dr. Ernaso Kerbizi – University Aleksander Moisiu Durres [Educational], Albania; ITC
Prof. Pedro Morgado – Universidade do Minho [School of Medicine], Portugal; ITC
Prof. Gokce Nur Yilmaz – TED University [Computer Engineering Department], Türkiye; ITC
Dr. Aysegul Ilgaz – Akdeniz University [Public Health Nursing], Türkiye; ITC
Prof. Janaina Minelli de Oliveira – Universitat Rovira i Virgili [Pedagogia], Spain
Dr. Muhammad Asaduzzaman – Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo
Agenda: EU4Health Grant Applications and Future Directions
Summary:
During the videocall, we discussed the creation of three sub-groups to coordinate efforts for the EU4Health grant applications. An email has been sent to the members who expressed interest in each group, allowing those involved to begin coordinating and defining their respective projects. The groups are as follows:
The Mental Health Group, led by Professor Janaina from Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Spain, will focus on service-learning as a best practice for suicide prevention in schools and universities. The Conference Group, which currently lacks an assigned leader, will concentrate on organizing conferences to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Professor Gokce Nur Yilmaz has proposed launching a call for papers as part of this initiative to further strengthen BEACON's work and reach experts across disciplines. Lastly, the AI Group, led by Professor Gokce Nur Yilmaz from TED University, Türkiye, is still in the process of defining the strict focus of its project, with discussions ongoing to shape its objectives. Members interested in contributing to the Conference or AI groups are encouraged to step forward and support these initiatives as preparations continue.
Literature Review and Future Plans
The ongoing literature review continues without a set deadline, allowing for a comprehensive and thoughtful exploration of the topic. This effort is intended as a preliminary step toward developing an EU-wide One Health education framework, which is envisioned as a second collaborative publication. Dr. Muhammad Asaduzzaman and Professor Pedro Morgado proposed this framework as a significant future contribution, building on insights from the literature review.
Next Steps
To ensure smooth progress, consortiums for each group will be finalized, and members will begin detailed project planning. Leadership for the Conference Group is still open, and the network encourages members to consider stepping into this role. Discussions about launching the call for papers as part of the Conference Group’s activities will also begin. Throughout the process, members will share resources, insights, and contacts to strengthen each group’s application.
The assistants also briefly discussed the use of Telegram, WhatsApp, Google applications, Microsoft Teams or others as best alternatives according to each platform restrictions and features. The need for attention to open source, affordability, adaptability and both resources and data ownership when working on research, health and edtech was raised at that point.
Deadline for EU4Health Submission:
22nd January 2024, 17:00 CEST (for grant applications).
Conclusion:
The meeting concluded with a shared sense of commitment and collaboration across all groups. Members are encouraged to maintain communication and support one another as these projects move forward.