DMI at LIH Drives National Cancer Data Node Development Under European Health Data Space

DMI at LIH Drives National Cancer Data Node Development Under European Health Data Space

(IN BRIEF) LIH’s Department of Medical Informatics is partnering in the EU-funded CANDLE project to develop secure, interoperable National Cancer Data Nodes. By gathering user requirements and addressing technical and legal challenges, LIH ensures these nodes meet researcher and clinician needs and integrate smoothly with the forthcoming European Health Data Space. Director Maximilian Fünfgeld emphasizes the importance of embedding real-world utility, trust, and compliance. CANDLE’s network of cancer-focused nodes will demonstrate disease-specific EHDS implementations, support the EU Mission on Cancer and the Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, and unite 40 partners to advance cross-border data sharing and collaboration.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 9-Jul-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH) has joined the EU-backed CANDLE initiative, contributing its Department of Medical Informatics (DMI) expertise to the creation of National Cancer Data Nodes across Europe. These secure, interoperable infrastructures will streamline the discovery, sharing, and reuse of cancer data, ultimately bolstering research and patient care.

Within CANDLE, the DMI team at LIH is spearheading efforts to map the requirements of both researchers and clinicians, while also tackling technical and legal hurdles to cross-border data exchange. Their work ensures that each national node aligns with the wider objectives of the upcoming European Health Data Space (EHDS), fostering seamless integration of health data at both national and EU levels.

“By grounding these data systems in real-world needs—and by embedding trust and regulatory compliance—we’re laying the foundations for truly impactful, data-driven cancer research across Europe,” said Maximilian Fünfgeld, Director of LIH’s Department of Medical Informatics.

CANDLE’s federated network of cancer-specific nodes will serve as pilot implementations for the EHDS, harmonizing EU health data policy with country-level nuances. The project also advances the EU Mission on Cancer and Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan by promoting national roll-out and encouraging collaboration among major stakeholders. Alongside 40 partners—including national health bodies, research infrastructures, and patient advocacy groups—LIH’s contribution will help strengthen data sharing, enhance access, and foster cross-sector cooperation.

About the Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH)

The Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH) is a public biomedical research organisation focused on precision health and invested in becoming a leading reference in Europe for the translation of scientific excellence into meaningful benefits for patients.

The LIH places the patient at the heart of all its activities, driven by a collective obligation towards society to use knowledge and technology arising from research on patient derived data to have a direct impact on people’s health. Its dedicated teams of multidisciplinary researchers strive for excellence, generating relevant knowledge linked to immune related diseases and cancer.

The institute embraces collaborations, disruptive technology and process innovation as unique opportunities to improve the application of diagnostics and therapeutics with the long-term goal of preventing disease.

Scientific contact:

Maximilian Fünfgeld
Director of Department of Medical Informatics
Department of Medical Informatics
Luxembourg Institute of Health
Email: Maximilian.Fuenfgeld@lih.lu

Press contact:

Arnaud D’Agostini
Head of Marketing and Communication
Luxembourg Institute of Health
Tel: +352 26970-524
Email: communication@lih.lu

SOURCE: Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH)