ECHoS 2

Project description

Background

Cancer remains one of Europe’s most pressing public health challenges. By supporting the development of National Cancer Mission Hubs (NCMHs) and fostering collaboration, ECHoS 2 contributes to the long-term objectives of the EU Mission on Cancer and Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. ECHoS 2 and NCMHs provide countries with an opportunity for citizens, patients, researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers and the wider stakeholder community to connect. Bringing these voices closer together helps find new ways of working and enhance the quality of cancer research, care and policies across Europe. ECHoS 2 supports collaboration among patients, researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, civil society and industry.

Purpose of the project

ECHoS 2 marks a transition from establishing individual NCMHs to connecting them within a more structured European ecosystem. The project will support Hubs through a common maturity pathway, helping them assess their development, strengthen their governance and improve their capacity to coordinate Cancer Mission activities. Structured training will be delivered through the ECHoS Academy, complemented by peer learning, country visits and knowledge-exchange activities. A formal European Network of NCMHs will also be established. The network will provide a shared governance framework, strategic vision, services and mechanisms for long-term cooperation and sustainability. At the same time, the project will apply a Penta Helix approach, bringing together public authorities, research and education, healthcare and civil society, industry, and patients and citizens. Demonstrator activities will show how collaboration between these groups can support more effective, inclusive and locally relevant cancer policies and solutions.

Project objectives

ECHoS 2 aims to consolidate the European Network of NCMHs as a key implementation mechanism for the EU Mission on Cancer. In order to reach this goal, the project will strengthen the operational and strategic capacity of NCMHs; support existing Hubs in progressing towards greater maturity and sustainability; assist countries where NCMHs have not yet been established; improve coordination between European, national, regional and local actors; strengthen the involvement of patients, citizens and other stakeholders in cancer policy and innovation; promote knowledge exchange, training and peer learning between Hubs; develop stronger connections between regional cancer ecosystems and national structures; test multi-stakeholder approaches through practical demonstrator activities; reinforce synergies with other European cancer initiatives, research infrastructures and EU Missions; and establish a formal European network capable of continuing beyond the lifetime of the project. These activities will help translate the EU Mission on Cancer into measurable benefits for citizens while contributing to more equitable cancer outcomes across Europe.

Phases of the project (Work Packages)

ECHoS 2 is organised in approximately twenty work packages (the number may still change) covering the full project cycle, from coordination and impact monitoring to capacity building, implementation, communication and long-term sustainability. The main areas of activity include: Project coordination and governance: supporting effective project implementation, strategic oversight and cooperation with European institutions and cancer initiatives;  Monitoring and impact: developing common indicators and tools to assess the progress, maturity and impact of NCMHs; Regional and international outreach: connecting NCMHs with regional ecosystems and expanding cooperation with associated and international partners; The ECHoS Academy: providing training, online courses and advanced learning programmes on mission-oriented cancer innovation; Synergies and connectivity: strengthening connections with EU cancer initiatives, the European Health Data Space, research infrastructures, cancer registries and other EU Missions; Implementation and capacity building: supporting the establishment, recognition and continuous development of NCMHs; Creation of the European network: developing the network’s governance, strategy, services and long-term sustainability model; Penta Helix demonstrators: testing multi-stakeholder approaches to personalised cancer prevention and the use of real-world evidence; Communication and dissemination: strengthening the ability of NCMHs to communicate their work and influence policy; Stakeholder and citizen engagement: organising Cancer Mission Fairs, NCMH Summits and innovative outreach activities. Together, these activities will provide NCMHs with the structures, skills, partnerships and evidence needed to support the implementation of the EU Mission on Cancer at European, national, regional and local levels.

Added value

ECHoS 2 will support the development and role of NCMHs in transforming EU policies into impactful actions on cancer, for the benefit of citizens and society through an ambitious set of initiatives, including a training program, demonstration initiatives and peer learning. The project will develop the tools and opportunities to grow. By bringing different parts of the cancer community as well as countries closer together, the project aims to create a lasting foundation for more coordinated action across Europe.

Expected results and materials

While the ECHoS successfully supported and recognized the initial 17 NCMHs, ECHoS 2 transitions from creating isolated national hubs to building a unified, operational European network. The primary expected results are 1. A Formalized European Network of NCMHs; 2. Operationalizing the “Penta Helix” Approach; 3. Capacity Building via the ECHoS Academy; 4. Active Integration and “Demonstrator Projects”. However, the absolute metric of success for ECHoS 2 is providing the structural infrastructure necessary to fulfill the broader EU Mission on Cancer goal: improving the lives of more than 3 million people affected by cancer by 2030 through optimized prevention, early detection, faster diagnosis, and enhanced quality of life for survivors.

Duration of the project: 60 months; Starting date: 1 July 2026

Leading organization: AICIB – Agency for Clinical Research and Biomedical Innovation, Portugal

Project partners: ECHoS 2 is bringing together 61 organisations from 30 countries: 57 beneficiaries, one affiliated entity and three associated partners from Across Europe and associated countries

Funding: Horizon Europe, Call: HORIZON-MISS-2025-02; Total budget: € 15,079,639.52

Disclaimer: Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Health and Digital Agency (HADEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Kick-Off Meeting of ECHoS 2 in Lisbon in September 2026: