Whitepaper: Insights from the 2nd Open Day: Empowering dementia and frailty research through advancing data interoperability and sharing fostering compliance with the European Health Data Space

The second Open Day of the COMFORTage project, held on 15th November in Bucharest, Romania, served as a pivotal moment for advancing dialogue and collaboration in the fields of dementia and frailty research. Entitled “Empowering Dementia and Frailty Research through Advancing Data Interoperability and Sharing: Fostering Compliance with the European Health Data Space (EHDS)”, the event brought together a diverse community of experts, researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and industry representatives to explore innovative pathways for the future of healthcare. This Open Day provided a unique platform to address some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities in healthcare digitalisation, with a particular focus on data interoperability, artificial intelligence (AI) integration, data privacy, and the ethical adoption of emerging technologies. The discussions underscored the transformative potential of the EHDS in enabling more connected, efficient, and patient-centred healthcare systems across Europe. Organised with great dedication by the International “Ana Aslan” Foundation, the event showcased the importance of fostering national and international collaboration. Through a multi-disciplinary approach, participants exchanged knowledge and insights that span technical, clinical, and societal dimensions, reflecting the holistic vision of the COMFORTage project in reshaping healthcare for ageing populations. This whitepaper presents the key insights, contributions, and outcomes from the event, offering an in-depth look at the current advancements and remaining challenges in the fields of dementia and frailty research. It highlights the collective commitment to building interoperable, secure, and inclusive digital health solutions that leave no one behind.