Open Call for Researchers through the EU-funded PERIFORMANCE Project
The Centre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking (CMMB) and the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Arts, at the University of Malta are contributing partners in the Horizon Europe project (Public Engagement in Research Infrastructures for Mission Cancer: Managing the Complexity of Emerging Technologies).
PERIFORMANCE has launched its Open Call for initiatives on public engagement in cancer research and care. This call invites organisations across Europe to help shape a more participatory, ethical, and inclusive approach, aligning innovation with societal values, equity, and public trust.
PERIFORMANCE aims to strengthen public engagement within the EU Mission Against Cancer by moving beyond traditional communication models and fostering collaboration between patients, researchers, healthcare professionals, biobanks, policymakers, industry, and communities, particularly underrepresented groups. The project also addresses the ethical, legal, and societal implications (ELSI) of biobanking and cancer research, with focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the European Health Data Space (EHDS).
Coordinated by BBMRI-ERIC (Austria), the University of Malta contributes through Prof. Gillian Martin and Dr Kay Polidano, supported by Research Support Officer Donnah Calleja.
The Open Call for Bottom-Up Stakeholder Engagement in Cancer Research & Care Initiatives supports innovative engagement activities at local and regional levels across Europe. It is open to NGOs, patient groups, healthcare institutions, research organisations, and educational bodies. Activities may include workshops, co-design sessions, community dialogues, school programmes, or digital formats, provided they promote inclusive participation.
Proposals should aim to:
• Enhance participation of patients, families, and diverse communities
• Develop co-creation methods and participatory spaces
• Strengthen institutional capacity for public engagement and governance
• Raise awareness of the value of biobanks
• Build trust in AI and health data use, including EHDS
• Promote ethical and inclusive data governance
• Empower patients in decision-making
This Open Call supports collaborative ideas aligned with PERIFORMANCE’s goals:
1. Enhancing stakeholder engagement and aligning innovation with societal needs
2. Assessing emerging technologies and frameworks (including the EU AI Act and EHDS) in cancer care
3. Promoting locally grounded engagement models integrating ethical and social analysis
Up to 15 activities will be funded, with up to EUR 10,000 per project. Activities will be implemented by selected applicants. Consortium social scientists will conduct qualitative research (e.g. interviews, focus groups, observations) to examine ethical and societal dimensions. Participation in this research is required.
Findings will contribute to a best-practices framework for stakeholder engagement in cancer research, supporting trust, inclusivity, and long-term impact.
Additional information is available on the , Twitter account (EU PERIFORMANCE project, @EU_Periformance) and .
