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Recently, the Inspiring and Writing Group welcomed new members reaffirming its commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation in chronic liver disease research among emerging leaders. Since its establishment, this working group has played a pivotal role in advancing knowledge of cirrhosis and its complications, bringing together researchers to conceptualize and drive high-impact independent studies.
The Inspiring and Writing Group was first established to build on EF CLIF’s extensive research datasets and biological samples from landmark studies in the field of hepatology, namely CANONIC, PREDICT, and ACLARA. These studies have significantly advanced the understanding of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) by defining its clinical characteristics, identifying predictors of its progression, and uncovering underlying the pathophysiological mechanisms of this syndrome.
In late December 2024, Prof. Thierry Gustot (Hôpital Erasme, Belgium), Chair of the Inspiring and Writing Group, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to engaging and involving junior researchers in meaningful scientific discussions. He highlighted the importance of supporting the next generation of chronic liver disease researchers to ensure continued advancements in the field. “We are creating a dynamic platform to empower junior researchers and provide them with unique opportunities to lead groundbreaking projects and tackle critical unmet medical needs,” he said.
The Inspiring and Writing Group has now set its sights on identifying and addressing critical gaps in the field of decompensated cirrhosis. Recent discussions have centered on leveraging the EF CLIF database—an unparalleled resource comprising clinical data, biological samples, and omics analyses—to answer pressing questions about complications of cirrhosis such as bacterial infections, portal hypertension, hepatic encephalopathy, and acute kidney injury.
The group aims to facilitate the development of innovative research proposals by holding regular, focused meetings with the Chair and Secretary of the Inspiring and Writing Group, Prof. Thierry Gustot and Dr. Savatore Piano (University of Padova, Italy), respectively, together with the Head of the Data Management Center, Cristina Sánchez-Garrido. These sessions will guide members in exploring the feasibility of projects and the specific data analyses required to advance their hypotheses.
The group’s new agenda reflects a strategic focus on addressing unmet medical needs in cirrhosis, intensive care management and liver transplantation. Members will explore topics such as strategies to improve patient outcomes. By prioritizing areas with limited existing research, the group seeks to drive progress where it is needed most.
As the Inspiring and Writing Group enters this new phase, Prof. Thierry Gustot encouraged all members to actively participate and bring forward their ideas. “The success of this initiative depends on the collective expertise and creativity of our community”, he said, calling for bold, innovative proposals that leverage EF CLIF’s unique resources.
The group will convene its next meeting to outline specific projects and assign tasks to its members. Regular updates will be provided to ensure transparency and alignment with EF CLIF’s overarching mission.
The Inspiring and Writing Group is delighted to welcome eight new members who bring fresh perspectives and expertise to the initiative. Joining the group are Florent Artru, MD, PhD (CHU Rennes–Hôpital Pontchaillou, France), Thierry Artzner, MD (University Hospital of Strasbourg, France), Laure Elkrief, MD, PhD (CHRU Tours–Hôpital Trousseau, France), Giovanni Perricone, MD (ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Italy), Michael Praktiknjo, MD (University Hospital Münster, Germany), Sarah Raevens, MD, PhD (Ghent University Hospital, Belgium), Marta Tonon, MD, PhD (Azienda Ospedale-Università Padova, Italy), and Emma Vanderschueren, MD (University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium). With their diverse backgrounds and commitment to advancing chronic liver disease research, new members bring renewed enthusiasm contributing to the continued growth and success of the group activities.
European Foundation for the Study of
Chronic Liver Failure
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© European Foundation for the Study of Chronic Liver Failure 2024
