1- What has been your biggest challenge working on TRACE project? 

One of the biggest challenges of working internationally is navigating the asymmetries between ecosystems — from differences in resources, infrastructures, and institutional priorities to cultural and country-specific contexts — while ensuring these realities are accurately reflected in the consortium’s overall work. Since TRACE focuses on integrating research with real-world healthcare systems, fostering effective collaboration across sectors and countries requires continuous coordination, adaptability, and sensitivity to these imbalances. 

2- How do you think the TRACE project can make a difference? 

TRACE has the potential to make a meaningful difference by bridging the gap between research and real-world cancer prevention and care. By focusing on  co-creating solutions with the people in the different countries, the project promotes more inclusive and equitable healthcare approaches. Its emphasis on citizen science, awareness, and tailored public health initiatives can significantly improve cancer literacy and early prevention, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes across the region.  

3- For you, what is the main result that TRACE will deliver? 

The main result of TRACE will be the creation of stronger regional ecosystems that effectively connect Business, Citizens and civil society, Knowledge and academia, Public administration and Health and care. This includes practical outputs such as evidence-based prevention programmes, training initiatives, and a shared data platform that supports collaboration and knowledge exchange. Ultimately, the project aims to deliver scalable and sustainable models for improving cancer prevention and reducing health inequalities. 

4- We reached the 6-month mark of the project; how do you see the progress made in these months?  

Reaching the 6-month milestone represents a solid foundation for the project with all deliverables and milestones completed, such as the TRACE webpage and presence in events like the 2nd European Cancer Mission Fair in Cyprus. During this initial phase, partners have established strong collaboration frameworks, aligned on key objectives, and initiated early activities such as stakeholder engagement and needs assessment. The progress so far demonstrates a clear commitment across partners and sets a promising trajectory for the next phases, where more real-world implementations will begin to emerge.