Post by Carina Dantas

On World Cancer Day, we highlight a simple truth: cancer research is strongest when it includes the people it aims to serve. Inclusive research and meaningful patient and public involvement are not optional add-ons. They shape better priorities, more relevant outcomes, and innovations that are fair, ethical, and grounded in lived and living experience. At SHINE 2Europe, this commitment is reflected in projects such as MAYA Project and IHI READI, which place participation and inclusion at the centre of how research is designed and delivered. MAYA Project, Smart Mirrors Supporting Healthier Lives of Adolescents and Young Adults after Cancer, focuses on improving long-term health and quality of life for adolescents and young adults who have lived through cancer. Through Living Labs, co-research and co-creation processes across several European countries, MAYA ensures solutions are built from real-life experiences and diverse contexts, towards trustworhty digital innovation Visit the website at https://maya-horizon.eu/ IHI READI, Research in Europe and Diversity Inclusion, is a large Innovative Health Initiative (IHI) working to make clinical research more inclusive, representative, and accessible. Many underserved communities remain under-represented in clinical trials due to structural barriers, limited health literacy, mistrust, and socio-economic constraints. SHINE is developing READI Community Clusters to create sustained dialogue and trust, supporting co-creation across the research process rather than one-off participation. Read more: https://ihi-readi.org/ On World Cancer Day, we stand for research that listens, because the most meaningful progress is built with people, not only for them. Miriam Cabrita Natália Machado Carlos Iglesias Carla Reigada Filipa Queiroz