Stroke is a major global issue and a cause of death and lifelong disability worldwide. While effective treatments exist, their low implementation presents a major challenge in stroke management, with many patients not receiving effective treatment due to the lack of an implementation framework.

The core activity of the IRENE COST Action has been to improve the quality of stroke care through networking, quality monitoring, and the dissemination of results.

Aalborg University has been a consistent contributor to the initiatives aimed at refining stroke care quality monitoring and improvement in Europe under the IRENE COST Action over the past 4.5 years.

Associate Professor Hendrik Knoche from the Department of Architecture, Design, and Media Technology represented Aalborg University in the role of Working Group leader in the network of 188 experts from 30 European and neighboring countries. As a representative of Aalborg University, Hendrik Knoche ensured that AAU's research insights and expertise were shared and heard during the development of an overarching international strategy for stroke care monitoring and the redesign of the RES-Q registry. Hendrik Knoche says:

"By facilitating and attending meetings, we ensured that the monitoring tools for stroke care reflected real-world needs and challenges. Additionally, Aalborg University actively engaged in a number of short-term scientific missions, which enabled young researchers to interact with established professionals, broadening their horizons and laying the foundation for innovative collaborations."

Furthermore, Aalborg University took on roles that fostered cooperative research projects, formed a successful Horizon Europe project consortium, helped in building bridges between knowledge hubs, and created pathways for shared advancements in stroke care.

"As we look ahead, we remain committed to such collaborative ventures, seeking to make a tangible difference in stroke care across Europe," Hendrik Knoche says.

The Implementation Research Network in Stroke Care Quality – IRENE, No. CA18118 has been supported by COST European Cooperation in Science and Technology.