KLINICKI BOLNICKI CENTAR SESTRE MILOSRDNICE USTANOVA

Their core work

Klinički bolnički centar Sestre milosrdnice (Sisters of Mercy University Hospital Centre) is a major clinical hospital in Zagreb, Croatia, that contributes clinical expertise and patient access to European health research consortia. Their H2020 participation reflects two distinct clinical domains: epidemiological research on iodine deficiency and thyroid disease, and ICT-enabled remote monitoring of hypertension. As a hospital rather than a research institute, their core value in EU projects lies in providing real-world clinical settings, patient cohorts, and medical validation rather than leading experimental or technological development. Their involvement in pre-commercial procurement (PCP) for digital health tools also signals an interest in adopting and evaluating health technologies in practice.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the first half of their H2020 activity (2015–2018), KBCSM contributed to large-scale European epidemiology focused on endocrine health — specifically the prevalence and elimination of iodine deficiency and thyroid disease across European populations. By 2019–2023, their focus shifted toward chronic disease management through digital tools, with hypertension, patient monitoring, and health technology innovation appearing as the defining themes. The trajectory moves from population-level disease surveillance toward individual-level, technology-assisted management of cardiovascular conditions — a shift that mirrors broader European health policy trends.

KBCSM is moving toward digital health and remote patient monitoring, positioning itself as a clinical site for evaluating ICT-enabled tools for chronic cardiovascular conditions.

How they like to work

KBCSM has never led an H2020 project, participating exclusively as a partner or third party — consistent with a clinical hospital that joins consortia to provide patient access and clinical validation rather than drive research agendas. Both of their projects were large pan-European consortia, explaining the disproportionately wide network (39 partners, 28 countries) relative to their minimal direct funding. This pattern suggests they are sought as a clinical site rather than a scientific or technological contributor, and are likely to continue playing supporting rather than coordinating roles.

Despite participation in only two projects, KBCSM has formal ties to 39 distinct consortium partners across 28 countries — a breadth that reflects involvement in large, multinational health research networks. Their geographic footprint is fully European, with no indication of partnerships outside the EU context.

What sets them apart

As a clinical hospital rather than a university or research centre, KBCSM offers something most academic partners cannot: direct access to real patients, clinical infrastructure, and hospital-based validation of health technologies. Their dual expertise in endocrine and cardiovascular disease makes them a useful clinical site for projects spanning both domains. Located in Croatia, they also provide access to a Southeastern European patient population that is often underrepresented in Northern and Western European-led clinical studies.

Highlights from their portfolio

• EUthyroid
  The only project in which KBCSM received direct EC funding (EUR 11,125), contributing to a flagship pan-European study on iodine deficiency affecting millions across the continent.
• HSMonitor
  A pre-commercial procurement project — a relatively rare funding instrument — demonstrating KBCSM's engagement as a healthcare buyer and validator of innovative ICT monitoring tools for hypertension.