The MAXIMA project started very intensively since the very beginning in January 2016 with two local workgroup meetings, the 1st General Assembly and Kick-off Meeting held at the Technical University of Varna, and a Workshop on Breast Cancer Awareness that was open to the public. Main issues, concerned during the 1st project year, were training the research teams in imaging of biology samples and understanding the tumour anatomy, which aim at improving the algorithms for modelling breast cancers including these with spiculated shape. During the 2nd project year, research teams were trained in modelling various tumours as the focus was on these with spiculated shapes. The training was performed by distinguished experts from Europe and USA. The 3rd project year was related to training in 3D printing technologies, advanced phase-contrast imaging, and breast CT techniques, implemented at the University of Naples with the participation of top experts from Europe, USA and Brazil. For this purpose, several main training activities were planned, successfully accomplished, and significant outcomes achieved:
- 1st training school “Advanced 3D Imaging for biology samples”: theoretical lectures organized at TUV and practical work organized at KU LEUVEN
- 2nd training school “Methods for breast tumour modelling and breast imaging”, organised at TUV
- 3rd training school “Application of computer models for advancement of x-ray breast imaging techniques”, organised at UNINA
- 12 seminars were organised at the 3 institutions, addressing the following issues: ● tumour anatomy and characteristics; ● breast cancer on tomosynthesis images; ● improving computational and physical models of breast and abnormalities; ● 3D printing technologies, principles, materials; ● plagiarism in research; ● intellectual property rights; ● scientific writing
- implementation of module MPE05 “Anthropomorphic phantoms for optimization of dose and image quality in radiology” from the EUTEMPE-NET at TUV
- organization of a special session on e-Health during the Black Sea Conference 2016 at TUV
- a database with both segmented from patient data and modelled tumours
- large dissemination of the results to the public through a high number of dissemination, communication and other outreach activities
To advance in our research, the members of the three groups performed meetings with more than 18 experts, who transferred their knowledge to us during exiting seminars and planned training events. 56 short term scientific visits, 54 presentations at national and international conferences, and 27 articles in peer review international journals, are the results of the active training and joint work between partners during the whole project. Sixteen new proposals were submitted for funding with the participation of TUV. Five new PhD topics at the host institution were defined in the specific field of breast imaging. To speed up research, specific software tools between organisations were exchanged, while a dedicated platform was established to facilitate such tasks.
