University of Padua and ESTS: Ten-Year Alliance Worth One Million Euros to Advance Artificial Intelligence in Thoracic Surgery
13.11.2025
University of Padua and ESTS: Ten-Year Alliance Worth One Million Euros to Advance Artificial Intelligence in Thoracic Surgery
The University of Padua has signed a ten-year agreement with the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS), securing a total funding of one million euros. This agreement primarily aims to finance doctoral and research scholarships. The Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Public Health of the Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health (DCTV) will lead the collection of clinical data at the European level and develop predictive models of artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve early diagnosis and follow-up of patients with lung cancer, mesothelioma, and thymic tumors.
This project establishes Padua as a European reference point for clinical data in thoracic surgery, leveraging the department's expertise in integrating clinical practice, epidemiology, and quantitative methodologies, with a particular focus on innovations in radiomics and digital pathology.
The DCTV unit will:
- Coordinate the collection and management of clinical data from ESTS centres across Europe,
- Develop advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning models for early diagnosis and optimized patient follow-up,
- Promote training activities within the partnerships.
Professor Dario Gregori, the scientific director of the project, highlighted how this collaboration recognizes the growing importance of his group in the field of statistical research applied to biomedical sciences worldwide. He stated: "In fact, we are creating a hub in Padua for large-scale and intensive research projects (involving over half a million patients) to promote early diagnosis and personalized medicine in these highly epidemiologically relevant diseases. The goal is to attract young talents who want to invest in internationally and transdisciplinary research programs. Special thanks to Prof. Cristina Basso, Head of the Department, and Prof. Andrea Dell’Amore, Head of Thoracic Surgery in Padua, for their continued support of this project even after the passing of Prof. Federico Rea, who had strongly supported and promoted this project."
