Glioma MR Imaging 2.0: a new European Cooperation in Science & Technology (COST) Action

Purpose/Introduction In Europe, 50,000 new cases of primary glioma occur each year, and this number is expected to rise with the aging population 1 . Established international consortia are putting tremendous research efforts into a better understanding of glioma pathology and improved treatment strategies. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) only has a minor role in these research efforts, despite being a widely available medical imaging modality and whilst advanced MRI techniques are emerging with great potential for improved characterisation of glioma. To exploit advanced MRI to the fullest, two issues need to be solved: (1) The scattered research landscape in which advanced MRI is being developed for glioma imaging. (2) The limited presence of advanced MRI research in established consortia for clinical work and research in glioma. To solve these issues, we have recently formed Glioma MR Imaging 2.0 (GliMR), an international consortium funded by the European Cooperation in Science & Technology (COST) 2 . In the coming 4 years, GliMR will establish an international network of experts in glioma research, patient organisations, and data and MR imaging scientists that aims to progress development and application of MRI for improved decision making in diagnosis, patient monitoring, and assessment of treatment response in clinical trials and practice. Subjects and Methods GliMR starts as a network of 37 proposers spread across 22 countries world-wide (Figure 1). There are 5 working groups (WGs) (Figure 2) that will ensure we will reach the Research Coordination and Capacity Building Objectives of the network (Table 1) via the organisation of meetings, workshops, and training schools. Additionally, individual researchers and clinicians can apply for funds to go on Short Term Scientific Missions (STSMs) and gain experience by working in a different hospital/lab abroad. The network will be open to new members and participation for all those interested is highly encouraged. R