Machine Learning Approaches & Analytical Methodologies for Hematological Disorder Diagnostics and Prognostics

Online, 27-28 May & 03-04 June

The Training School on "Machine Learning Approaches & Analytical Methodologies for Hematological Disorder Diagnostics and Prognostics" is organized by the COST Action CA24124 "Network for the Advancement of Neutropenia Research and Patient Support" (Neutro-NARPS) as a virtual event.

Data analytics methods in rare diseases are crucial for overcoming challenges related to small patient populations, data fragmentation, and the "diagnostic odyssey". These methods leverage Real World Data, core statistics, and AI to improve diagnosis, understand disease progression, and accelerate drug development.

The participating scientists will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge through interactive lectures by experts on aspects of data analytics. They will also observe and familiarize themselves with methods to study rare blood diseases, discuss, and get hands-on experience in performing specific analyses that will promote better study design, more efficient use of data, and improved interpretation of results, ultimately contributing to more informed clinical decision-making and better patient outcomes.

The Neutro-NARPS Training School will be held in 2 distinct parts, each on a separate date.

PART A: 27-28 May, 2026 on "Machine Learning Approaches for Hematological Disorder Diagnostics and Prognostics". Download Part A Agenta.

PART B: 03-04 June, 2026 on "Analytical Methodologies for Hematological Disorder Diagnostics and Prognostics". Download Part B Agenta.  

Evangelos' lecture:

• Survival analysis of time-to-event data: basic concepts and methods

This session will cover essential concepts and methods for analysing time-to-event data or survival times. It will explain the special features of survival data, censoring, and the basic mathematical functions central to describing survival times (the survival, hazard rate, and cumulative hazard functions) and their interrelationships. Basic methods such as the non-parametric Kaplan–Meier method to estimate survival probabilities, the log-rank and Wilcoxon-Peto-Peto tests for comparing survival time distributions between two or more groups will be briefly presented and illustrated. We will also discuss the formulation and application of the Cox proportional hazards model for regression analysis.

June 

2026

4th Seminar in Medical Research Methodology

Nicosia, Cyprus

Medical research is a cornerstone of modern clinical practice and a fundamental tool for improving patient care. Understanding its principles, becoming familiar with its methodology, and actively participating in research activities are integral parts of the education and professional development of every young physician and health scientist. With this in mind, this Seminar was organised under the auspices of the University of Cyprus Medical School, continuing a successful series of seminars established in recent years.

The seminar is aimed at medical students, junior doctors, and early-career researchers in the biomedical sciences, providing their first substantive contact with the world of medical research. The program is designed to holistically cover the lifecycle of a research project—from study design, research ethics, and data collection to scientific writing, statistical analysis, and the dissemination of results.

Special emphasis is placed on the use of modern digital tools and artificial intelligence, as well as on bibliography and data management, and on the practical application of tools such as REDCap and Jamovi. At the same time, interaction with faculty members and experienced researchers is encouraged to foster networking and future participation in research programs. The seminar is held with the option of in-person or online attendance, and certificates of attendance are issued to all participants.

Evangelos' talk:

• Statistical analysis in 30 minutes with jamovi

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January 2026

3rd Seminar in Medical Research Methodology

Heraklion, Crete, Greece

Organised by the Postgraduate Master's Programme in Oncology at the University of Crete, this seminar aims to enhance participants' skills in conducting and evaluating medical research. Held under the auspices of HESMO (EOPE) & HECOG (EBEPPES), it brings together experienced academics for a comprehensive approach to research methodology. The seminar covers key topics such as research planning, writing research protocols, funding opportunities, and research data management. Additionally, it analyses the use of artificial intelligence in biomedical research, scientific ethics, and the writing and publication of research papers. Statistical analysis is a central pillar of the seminar, offering practical guidance through jamovi software. Participants will also learn how to use reference managers like Zotero and the importance of registries for reliable data. The seminar offers a unique opportunity to develop skills and deepen knowledge of medical research methodology, thereby improving the quality and validity of research findings.

• Statistical analysis in 30 minutes with jamovi

May 

2025

EUCIC Advanced Module 2025 Athens

Laboratory and clinical aspects of the surveillance of healthcare-associated infections: a theoretical and practical approach

Module organiser: European Committee on Infection Control (EUCIC) of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

Programme objectives: The EUCIC training programme – a pan-European science-based programme for infection prevention and control training – was established in order to train a new generation of infection control specialists linking the best expertise at the European level. The module in Athens, Greece, is one of the programme's advanced modules.

Course description: In healthcare settings, the surveillance of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), antimicrobial resistance, and outbreaks plays a critical role in preventing and controlling infectious diseases, optimising antimicrobial use, and improving patient outcomes. This course offers participants a comprehensive understanding of surveillance principles and methods, with a focus on both theoretical foundations and practical applications in laboratory and clinical settings.

Intended audience: Medical doctors and pharmacists, nurses or other healthcare professionals with an MSc or PhD are eligible, provided they completed the basic module or have experience in IPC

Course coordinators: Athanasios Tsakris, Achilleas Gikas, Georgia Vrioni, 

Module Programme here or download the PDF.

Evangelos' contributions:

• Practical session: Analysing data from point prevalence surveys (PPS) – presentation of results and practical issues
• Lecture: Designing a HAI surveillance programme: multidimensional perspectives on design, data analysis and practical utility

January 

2025

2nd Seminar Series in Surgical Research, School of Medicine, University of Crete

Heraklion, Crete, Greece 

Organised by the General Surgery Clinic at the University Hospital of Heraklion and the 'Surgical Sciences' Postgraduate Program of the University of Crete School of Medicine, aiming to train young doctors, students, and researchers in clinical research topics.

Read more about the seminar programme here. 

Evangelos' talk:

• Common statistical pitfalls & errors in biomedical research (a top-5 list)

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April 

2024

EUCIC Advanced Module 2024 Athens 

Laboratory and clinical aspects of the surveillance of healthcare-associated infections: a theoretical and practical approach

Module organizer: European Committee on Infection Control (EUCIC) of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

Module coordinators:

• Athanasios Tsakris, Athens, Greece
• Achilleas Gikas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
• Georgia Vrioni, Athens, Greece

Programme objectives: The EUCIC training programme – a pan-European science-based programme for infection prevention and control training – was established in order to train a new generation of infection control specialists linking the best expertise at European level. The module in Athens, Greece, is one of the advanced modules of this programme.

Module Programme here.

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January 2024

1st Seminar Series in Surgical Research, School of Medicine, University of Crete

The First Seminar in Surgical Research was organized by the Medical School of the University of Crete and the Scientific Society of Hellenic Medical Students. The purpose of the seminar was to present the research protocols currently implemented by PhD students of the surgical section of the School, as well as train young doctors and graduate students in surgical research methodologies. 

Read more about the seminar programme here.

Evangelos' talk:

• Common statistical pitfalls & errors in biomedical research (a top-5 list)

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June 2023

EUCIC Basic Module for Infection Prevention and Control, Groningen

This module is organised by the European Committee on Infection Control (EUCIC) is taught face-to-face by top experts from different academic centres in Europe, who cover all major aspects of Infection Prevention and Control in the hospital.

Course info here. Read more about the module programme in the flyer here.

Evangelos' presentation:

• Surveillance of healthcare-associated infections: understanding and utilizing basic epidemiological measures and statistical methods
  

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May 2022

Joint Seminar Series in Translational and Clinical Medicine - UoC Medical School, IMBB-FORTH and UCRC

The Joint Seminar Series in Translational and Clinical Medicine are organized to bring together scientists from Basic, Clinical as well as Social Sciences and Humanities providing a forum for exchanging ideas and scientific information with an intent to promote the development of de novo collaborations between researchers from UoC Medical School, IMBB-FORTH and UCRC.

Series program and info here.

Evangelos' presentation:

• Developing and validating statistical models for clinical prediction and prognosis to improve infection prevention and treatment

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April 2021

European Committee on Infection Control (EUCIC) Local Module, Heraklion, Crete, Greece

Evangelos' presentations:

• Lecture 1: How to survey healthcare-associated infections: principles and methods (in Greek)
• Lecture/seminar 2: Point Prevalence Surveys (PPS): organizational issues, preparation and data collection (in Greek) 
• Lecture/seminar 3: Analyzing and reporting prevalence data (in English) 

April 2019

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19th Panhellenic Conference on Infections, Hellenic Society for Infectious Diseases, Athens, Greece

Workshop on Nosocomial Infection Prevention and Control

Full program flyer here. 

Evangelos' presentation:

• Lecture: Surveillance methods for Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs): the Greek experience [In Greek]

February 2019

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Communicable disease control module, Master of Public Health (MPH) course, University of Sheffield

Invited lecture

• Global epidemiology of Carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacterial infections: Global epidemiology, challenges and threats

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May 2017

PPS 2016 training meeting, jointly held by the Infection Control Unit, University Hospital of Heraklion & the Hellenic Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Online Conferencing & Webinar, 

Training programme in preparation of the 2nd national Point Prevalence Survey of Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimicrobial Use in Acute-cate Hospitals, 

jointly held by the Hellenic Center for Disease Control & Prevention, Athens, Greece and the Infection Control Unit of the University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece.

Full program flyer here.  

Evangelos'presentation:

• Κατευθυντήριες Οδηγίες Συλλογής Δεδομένων, Συμπλήρωσης Εντύπων & Online Ηλεκτρονικών Φορμών για τη Μελέτη Επιπολασμού των Νοσοκομειακών Λοιμώξεων και της Χρήσης Αντιβιοτικών στα Ελληνικά Νοσοκομεία [Epidemiological methods and data collection guidelines for the 2nd National Prevalence Study of Nosocomial Infections and Antibiotic Use in Greek Hospitals].

November 2016

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