VASCERN presents the summer school initiative at the 22nd ERNs coordinator group meeting

On May 21st, 2025, VASCERN took part in the 22nd European Reference Networks (ERNs) Coordinator Group Meeting—an important gathering where coordinators and project managers of the ERNs come together to exchange ideas and push forward the shared mission of improving care for people living with rare diseases.

Representing VASCERN were Julie Hallac, Project Manager, and Gloria Somalo Barranco, Science & Education Project Manager. During the Knowledge Working Group session, they shared insights into one of VASCERN’s flagship educational initiatives: the VASCERN Summer School.

Now in its 2nd edition, the summer school was created to help train the next generation of healthcare professionals in the field of rare multisystemic vascular diseases. Gloria gave an engaging overview of the development process from identifying the need for such a program to building its content and structure in collaboration with experts across Europe.

Julie followed by introducing the Erasmus+ program, which has been instrumental in funding the summer school. She explained how VASCERN successfully navigated the application process and highlighted the advantages Erasmus+ offers for cross-border training and education. Her insights were particularly valuable for other ERNs looking to build similar initiatives.

The presentation was well received and sparked conversations around how educational programs like this can strengthen the ERN community. It also reinforced VASCERN’s ongoing commitment to empowering healthcare professionals through accessible, high-quality training.

By sharing its journey, VASCERN continues to promote collaboration and learning—essential ingredients in the effort to improve care for patients with rare vascular diseases.