The Subject- and Organ-Specific Working Groups (FOSA) form the cornerstones of the NUM Community Platform. Through these groups, clinicians and researchers can exchange ideas and network across university medical centres; above all, however, they serve to integrate their members’ expertise into the NUM. From these groups emerges the Advisory Board, which meets monthly to exchange views amongst themselves or with other NUM structures.
The areas of responsibility and associated rights of the FOSA were recently set out in detail in a document agreed with the Coordination Office and the spokespersons of the Advisory Board, with the aim of establishing a clearer profile and providing greater clarity regarding opportunities for participation. It also includes measures designed to improve the FOSA’s links with the sub-projects and the NUM Coordination Office and to ensure regular dialogue. The document thus provides the Community Platform with a solid foundation for continuing to participate in the further development of the NUM.
Most recently, at the end of June, the Coordination Office approached the FOSA and gave them the opportunity to submit proposals for thematic areas for the forthcoming 2027 calls for proposals. Under the leadership of the advisory board spokespersons and with the active participation of members from 21 different FOSAs, a document was drawn up proposing three thematic areas: one on prevention, risk stratification and health promotion; one on manufacturer-independent evidence generation for innovative therapeutic and diagnostic procedures; and one for studies aimed at closing evidence gaps in AWMF S2e and S3 guidelines. It remains to be seen whether the proposals will actually result in thematic areas within which specific projects can then apply for funding. However, the FOSAs are expected to be involved in the thematic area process for the allocation of funding. For those interested in this process, now is therefore a good time to join a FOSA.
In addition, elections are due to be held for the FOSA spokesperson positions, which are limited to a two-year term of office. The spokespersons have voting rights on the Advisory Board and are responsible for the organisation and content of the individual FOSAs. The FOSA for Visceral Surgery and the FOSA for Hygiene and Environmental Medicine are excluded from this year’s elections, as these FOSAs have not yet been in existence for two years. From mid-October, voting rights will first be allocated to FOSA members at the various sites – so for anyone interested in having a say here, now is also the right time to join a FOSA.
Further information on the FOSAs and the form to get involved can be found here: go to the subpage
We’d be delighted to have you on board!