WP2. Human Capacity Building in Public Health Education in Montenegro

Progress Report - DELIVERABLE 2.3 ‘Strengthening cooperation with EU authorities in healthcare education’

Published on: 14/12/2018

Authors:

Roles: Managers and researchers Staff member Institution Prof.dr Ramo Šendelj UDG, Montenegro Prof.dr Ivana Ognjanović UDG, Montenegro Prof.dr Maja Drakić Grgur UDG, Montenegro Manolina Bašović UNIM, Montenegro Doc. dr Anđela Jakšić Stojanović UNIM, Montenegro Prof. dr Marija Janković UNIM, Montenegro Prof. dr Miloš Vukčević UNIM, Montenegro Prof. dr Agima Ljajević UCG, Montenegro Prof. dr Miodrag Radunović UCG, Montenegro Prof. dr Dragan Đurić IMTM, Montenegro Ivan Petrović IMTM, Montenegro Prof. dr John Mantas UoA, Greece Andriana Magdalinou UoA, Greece Dr Marianna Diomidous UoA, Greece Prof.dr Petra Knaup UHEI, Germany Max Seitz UHEI, Germany Prof.dr Elske Ammenwerth UMIT, Austria Renate Natschev UMIT, Austria Prof. dr Róza Ádány DE, Hungary Dr Orsolya Varga DE, Hungary

Roles: Technical and Administrative support Staff member Institution Max Seitz UHEI, Germany Luka Anđić UDG, Montenegro Prof. dr Ivana Ognjanović UDG, Montenegro Vesna Mijatović UNIM, Montenegro

European Commission Erasmus+ Project: | PROJECT COORDINATOR: University of Donja Gorica | Donja Gorica, 81 000 Podgorica, Montenegro 573997-EPP-1-2016 -1-ME-EPPKA2-CBHE-JP This project has been funded with support from the European | http://www.udg.edu.me | [email protected] Commission. This publication [communication] reflects the views only of the | Tel:+382(0)20 410 777 author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use | Fax:+382(0)20 410 766 which may be made of the information contained therein. | PROJECT WEBSITE:www.ph-elim.net

Table of Contents

1. Introduction ...... 4 2. Funding schemes for exchanging staff and students with EU HEIs ...... 5 2.1. International programs ...... 5 2.1.1. Projects for mobility, Erasmus+ (Erasmus+ mobility scholarship) ...... 5 2.2. National programs ...... 10 2.2.1. Baden-Württemberg scholarship (Germany) ...... 11 2.2.2. German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) ...... 14 2.3. Suggestions and planning for 2019-2020 ...... 15 3. Identification of associations, bodies, committees in public health in which ME institutions should become member ...... 16 3.1. Medical informatics ...... 16 3.1.1. European Federation for Medical Informatics (EFMI) Membership ...... 16 3.1.2. International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA) ...... 21 4. Identification of international institutions and certificates useful for ME HEIs staff members ...... 24 5. Identification of scientific conferences, journals and committee in which ME HEIs staff members should be enrolled ...... 25 5.1. Conferences ...... 25 5.2. Journals ...... 26 6. Establishment of joined projects between ME and EU ...... 27 Danube Medical Informatics Network (DMIN) ...... 27 7. Outlook ...... 28

1. Introduction

The report of deliverable 2.3. is situated in WP2 Human Capacity Building in Public Health Education in Montenegro and focuses on different possibilities for strengthening the cooperation of Montenegrin (ME) Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) with EU authorities in healthcare education. Lead by University of Heidelberg as leader of WP2 the EU partners shall offer support and advice to improve the integration of ME HEIs in European Public Health fields.

Main objective is to achieve an intensified integration and cooperation into Public Health related EU associations. Secondary objective is to settle a foundation for continues education of educators in public health through entering into European associations for public health educators, fulfilling their requirements at institutional and professional levels (e.g. APHEA- Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region, etc.)., certifying teachers in interdisciplinary public health domains (e.g. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) ), etc.

The progress report describes the activities in WP2 Task 2.3. of the second project year, focusing on the establishment of international relationships in the field of public health between ME HEIs and EU associations.

In the previous report, various possibilities were identified for ME HEIs to improve their network in the field of public health (see main chapters in the table of contents).

In the progress report it is observed, and analysed which options could be suitable and feasible for ME HEIs. Every possibility for better integration of ME HEIs listed here was carefully considered during joint project meetings between all project partners before further steps were taken.

In the following chapters is described which options were identified, chosen and approached.

2. Funding schemes for exchanging staff and students with EU HEIs

2.1. International programs

2.1.1. Projects for mobility, Erasmus+ (Erasmus+ mobility scholarship)

As most suitable funding option the Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility (ICM) was identified. The main advantages are, that both student and staff exchanges can be supported and the funding is like the PH-ELIM project within Erasmus+. Though there are still multiple barriers complicating the application for ICM or other funding schemes for staff and student exchange. • Language barrier. o At the EU partner HEIs the study programs are mostly in the local language and not in English. Only English courses seem to be reasonable for application for further education of ME students. • Missing information on possible timeframes. o EU and ME HEIs have different semester schedules. o ME HEIs staff shall participate in PH-ELIM trainings in the EU partner countries. Exchanges during the trainings period are unfitting.

However, slight progress is made: - Submitted 2 Erasmus+ staff mobility applications: University of Debrecen with UDG and University of Debrecen with UCG - Discussed potentials with University of Heidelberg and University of Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and technologies- difficulties due to German Language requirements are found; solutions: focus on other actions - Discussed potentials with National and Kapodistrian University of Athens- at university level it is needed to have established program in Montenegro, in order to develop exchange programs; conclusion: wait for accreditation to be finalised and completed

During the actual period these questions will be clarified, and bilateral applications submitted for ICM wherever possible.

Following are the previously collected information on ICM, with focus on the eligibility criteria.

General Eligibility Criteria

Who can apply?• à For an application as individual HEI: higher education institutions established in a Programme Country and awarded with an Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE). For more information on the Charter, see the section "Erasmus Charter for Higher Education" below and the Annex I of this Guide). • à For an application as national mobility consortium: coordinating organisations established in a Programme Country and coordinating a consortium awarded with a higher education consortium accreditation. Organisations that do not hold a valid consortium accreditation can apply for this accreditation on behalf of a Mobility Consortium at the same time of applying for a mobility project grant. All the involved higher education institutions from eligible Programme countries must hold an Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE). These organisations will be eligible for a mobility project only if their application for the consortium accreditation is successful.

Higher education students and staff cannot apply directly for a grant; the selection criteria for participation in the mobility activities are defined by the higher education institution in which they study or are employed, in accordance with the provisions foreseen in Annex I to this Guide.

Eligible A higher education mobility project must comprise one or more of activities the following activities:

• à Student mobility for studies; • à Student mobility for traineeships; • à Staff mobility for teaching; • à Staff mobility for training.

• *See under this table

Eligible Mobility between Programme Countries: countries è any Programme Country Mobility between Programme and Partner Countries: è any Programme Country; and è any Partner Country of the world

Number of The number of organisations in the application form is one (the participating applicant). It is either a single HEI or a national mobility consortium organisations coordinator established in a Programme Country. During the implementation of the mobility project, a minimum of two organisations (at least one sending and at least one receiving organisation) from different Programme Countries must be involved. For mobility projects involving Partner Countries, the minimum is one from a Programme Country and one from an eligible Partner Country.

Duration of The applicant must choose the duration at application stage, based on project the scale of the project and on the type of activities planned over time. Mobility between Programme Countries: 16 or 24 months. Mobility between Programme and Partner Countries: 16 or 26 months.

Where to To the National Agency of the country in which the applicant apply? organisation is established.

When to apply? Applicants have to submit their grant application by 1 February at 12:00 (midday Brussels time) for projects starting on 1 June of the same year.

How to apply? Please see part C of this Guide for details on how to apply.

Other criteria A HEI may apply for grants to its National Agency via two different channels: è directly as an individual HEI, è via a consortium of which it is a member. A HEI can apply only once per selection round for a mobility project between Programme Countries as individual HEI and/or as member of a given consortium. However, a HEI may be part of or coordinate several different national mobility consortia applying at the same time. The same applies to mobility projects between Programme and Partner Countries. Both channels (individual application and consortium application) may be used simultaneously. However, the HEI/department remains responsible of preventing double funding of a participant when the two channels are used in the same academic year.

• Student mobility: Student mobility can be in any subject area/academic discipline. To ensure high- quality mobility activities with maximum impact on the students, the mobility activity has to be compatible with the student’s degree-related learning and personal development needs.

Students may carry out either one or a combination of the activities described below: o A study period abroad at a partner higher education institution (HEI); The study period abroad must be part of the student's study programme to complete a degree at a short cycle, first cycle (Bachelor or equivalent), second cycle (Master or equivalent) and third or doctoral cycle. A study period abroad may include a traineeship period as well. Such a combination creates synergies between the academic and professional experience abroad and may be organised in different ways depending on the context: either one activity after the other or both at the same time. The combination follows the funding rules and minimum duration of study mobility.

o A traineeship (work placement) abroad in an enterprise or any other relevant workplace. Traineeships abroad at a workplace are supported during short cycle, first, second, third cycle studies and, in the case of mobility within Programme Countries, within a maximum of one year after the student’s graduation. This also includes the 'assistantships' for student teachers. In order to better support students to acquire the skills necessary for their future, a partnership between the Erasmus+ and Horizon 2020 programmes has been established. This partnership will provide and promote further traineeship opportunities for students and recent graduates who wish to acquire digital skills2 and competences required to perform jobs and thrive in an economy and society which is being continuously digitally transformed. Students and recent graduates from all disciplines are invited to apply for a traineeship in these domains. These traineeships are expected to take place in the EU Member States as well as in Horizon 2020 associated countries.

Wherever possible, the traineeships should be an integrated part of the student's study programme.

• Staff mobility:

o Teaching periods: this activity allows HEI teaching staff or staff from enterprises to teach at a partner HEI abroad. Staff mobility for teaching can

be in any subject area/academic discipline.

o Training periods: this activity supports the professional development of HEI teaching and non-teaching staff in the form of training events abroad (excluding conferences) and job shadowing/observation periods/training at a partner HEI, or at another relevant organisation abroad.

A period abroad can combine teaching and training activities. In 2018, in the grant allocation for mobility of staff between Programme Countries, emphasis will be put on training periods for HEI teaching staff that allow them to develop pedagogical and curriculum design skills. The majority of the budget of this Action will support activities involving mobility between Programme Countries. However, a limited amount of the budget available for this Action can fund international activities between Programme and all Partner Countries of the world, except regions 5 (Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City State) and 12 (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates). Funding for mobility between Programme and Partner Countries comes from several financial instruments of the European Union for external cooperation. To ensure that this action follows the EU's external priorities, the Commission has set a number of targets and rules for cooperation with Partner Countries. Applicants for mobility projects between Programme and Partner countries should take into account the available budget for mobility with different regions of the world and the priorities explained hereafter in the section "additional information for mobility between Programme and Partner Countries".

o Beginning February each year à Observe application periods • Cyprus program o Some Bilateral or multilateral programs o Students apply for themselves

2.2. National programs

Regarding national programs the Baden-Württemberg scholarship and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) have promising conditions for application on ME side. Both scholarships are useable for ME HEIs students and staff. The Baden-Württemberg scholarship is restricted for application in a federal state in Germany, therefore it should only be applicable for the exchange of staff and students between the German PH-ELIM partner University of Heidelberg and ME HEIs. The DAAD has its own funding pot for Western Balkan countries, although this is relatively small. However, due to similar ambiguities as mentioned under 2.1.1 applications are not possible at present.

Following are the previously collected information of the most promising possibilities.

2.2.1. Baden-Württemberg scholarship (Germany)

2.2.1.1. BWS for Students

o Baden-Württemberg-STIPENDIUM for University Students (The scholarship for up to eleven months in Baden-Württemberg or abroad) § E.g. for writing a thesis abroad o Baden-Württemberg-STIPENDIUM for University Students - BWS plus (Projects to establish and build on third-level cooperations in an international exchange.) Target group: University students with good to excellent results in all state and some private universities in Baden-Württemberg and their partner universities abroad.

Duration: 3 – 11 months

Level of the scholarship: 500 – 1,400 euros per month

Important information: • Complete Bachelor or Masters degree courses and PhD programmes cannot be supported by the Baden-Württemberg-STIPENDIUM.

• The universities have the option of developing individual solutions in which, for instance, the distance to the partner university, any possible study fees, the costs of living in the host country, any possible currency differences or particular visa requirements, etc. may be taken into account. • The level of the Baden-Württemberg-STIPENDIUM depends partly on the course semester and the course progress (undergraduate/graduate sectors).

Applications from Baden-Württemberg: You will find your contact for applying for a Baden-Württemberg- STIPENDIUM in the Akademisches Auslandsamt or in the International Office at your university in Baden-Württemberg.

Applications from international partner universities: You can obtain information on how to apply for a Baden-Württemberg- STIPENDIUM from the Akademisches Auslandsamt or the International Office in your home university in your country.

How the application procedure functions: The universities in Baden-Württemberg carry out the preselection of the applications in accordance with the respective selection procedure and, if necessary, by agreement with the foreign university. To decide on which scholarships are granted, the proposed selections of the universities are forwarded by the programme partner to the Baden-Württemberg Stiftung.

Important information: • Applications cannot be submitted to the Baden-Württemberg Stiftung. • The Baden-Württemberg-STIPENDIUM for University Students is awarded solely in the context of partnerships between Baden-Württemberg universities and their partner universities abroad.

2.2.1.2. BWS for Workers

Baden-Württemberg-STIPENDIUM for Vocationally Qualified People (The scholarship for persons with professional training for work experience or further training abroad.)

The placement abroad should help further their professional development and must therefore be directly connected to the profession in which the person has been trained.

Scholarship duration: • For work experience: 2 to 6 months • For professional further training measures: 2 to 11 months Level of the scholarship: • Basic scholarship to cover travel expenses, food, and accommodation: €1,000 per month • Allowance for language courses: max. €500 Organisation of the overseas placement: • With support of the Baden-Württemberg Stiftung (no mediation) • By the applicant on their own initiative Application deadlines and procedure: • Applications can submitted all year round. • Applications must be submitted 4 weeks the latest prior to the forthcoming rounds of the selection committee • The following three rounds of the selection committee will take place: 20.03.2018 (application deadline: 20.02.2018) 24.07.2018 (application deadline: 26.06.2018) 20.11.2018 (application deadline: 23.10.2018) • Please note: As a rule, at least three months will pass between your application being checked and the decision on the granting of a scholarship. • Applications are made solely via the online portal BWS-World.

You require the following documents for your application: • Curriculum vitae • Motivation letter

• Certificate with grades • Possibly references from employers • Possibly language certificate • Certificate from the work experience employer or further education/training establishment

Selection process • Qualified people working or living in Baden-Württemberg will solely be regarded in the selection process. • When all formal requirements have been satisfied, the invitation to an interview is issued in the scholarship committee. • The suitable scholarship holders are selected by the members of the scholarship committee. • On the basis of these selections, the Baden-Württemberg Stiftung decides on the award of the scholarships.

2.2.2. German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)

• Supports: • Student mobility: Study at a partner university abroad • Staff mobility: Mobility for educational purposes: University teachers have the opportunity to teach abroad. Mobility for training purposes: University staff can be supported in their professional development - through further training measures abroad and through job shadowing/hospitations/further education at a partner university or at a corresponding institution abroad.

Budget Change Financial Eligible partner Regional Region 2018 compared instrument countries Restrictions Germany to 2017

Western Albania, Bosnia- 1 Balkans Herzegovina, Kosovo, 3.905.627 € +8 % - (IPA) Montenegro, Serbia

2.3. Suggestions and planning for 2019-2020

Action 1: International programs- international mobility programs could strongly support activities of ME HEIs aimed on modernization of programs and provision of modern educational opportunities to their students in multidisciplinary fields of public health. To this end: - Established links with international community in the field of public health should be used in order to prepare credit mobility programs - Existing barriers with PH-ELIM partner EU institutions (mainly language barriers) should be resolved by identification of other funding opportunities

Action 2: National programs- After accreditation and after enrolling first generations of students, focus shall be put on identification of national funding opportunities for their research and cooperation with industry (i.e. placements in companies, etc.).

Action 3: Focus on Western Balkan cooperation- In cooperation with external experts (Prof.dr Eva Turk), it is highly suggested to create links at Western Balkan region, and the following two funding umbrellas are identified: o Interreg - IPA CBC program Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina - Montenegro o Bilateral programs with Slovenia, Croatia, Austria o Interreg IPA CBC Italy-Albania-Montenegro

author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use | Fax:+382(0)20 410 766 which may be made of the information contained therein. | PROJECT WEBSITE:www.ph-elim.net

3. Identification of associations, bodies, committees in public health in which ME institutions should become member

3.1. Medical informatics Since the project leader UDG has the most expertise in the field of medical informatics, it is first longed for to integrate UDG in an EU medical informatics organisation. Focus was set on collecting information on application processes and choosing an organisation.

3.1.1. European Federation for Medical Informatics (EFMI) Membership

EFMI is considered as most suitable and affordable organization, which aligns with the needs of the PH-ELIM project. Because of this, special attention was given to get in touch with EFMI authorities, collect information on the application process and prepare the application of UDG as institutional member in EFMI.

Also, for better integration, it is aimed to participate in the Working Group EDU – Education. It can be considered that especially their expertise and work in the fields of, “Exchange of experiences of how BMHI is taught and to improve the implementation”, “Support of BMHI courses and exchange of students and teachers within the EFMI countries”, “Foster the accreditation process of BMHI programs in Europe”, “Explore the process of certification of knowledge and skills of users in BMHI”, will be of great help for the further development of public health in Montenegro.

There are two opportunities for enrolment as EFMI member: 1. Scientific association • Requirements: o Only scientific organisations, not governmental. o At least 20 people. o 200€ enrolment fee. 2. Institutional membership • Requirements: o A national counterpart à Possibly a Working Group would be sufficient. o Membership fee (200€/a). o Formal body that represents medical informatics in ME.

• Probably easier and faster option.

Keynotes • Leading organization in medical informatics in Europe. • Represents 32 countries. • Nonprofit organization. • Autonomous European Regional Council of IMIA • Concerned with the theory and practice of Information Science and Technology within Health and Health Science in a European context.

Main objectives • To advance international co-operation and dissemination of information in Medical Informatics on a European basis; • To promote high standards in the application of medical informatics; • To promote research and development in medical informatics; • To encourage high standards in education in medical informatics;

Activities and Governance • All European countries are entitled to be represented in EFMI by a suitable Medical Informatics Society. • Each national society supports the federation by sending and paying for a representative to participate in the decisions of the Federation’s Council, the membership assembly. • Apart from the Council, an elected board consisting of nine members governs EFMI.

Membership and Organization EFMI is also open for institutional membership. Typical institutions, which become EFMI members, include universities, research organizations, federations, industries and organizations.

Working Group: EDU - Education Activities • Dissemination and exchange of information on Biomedical and Health Informatics (BMHI) programs and courses. • Exchange of experiences of how BMHI is taught and to improve the implementation.

• Establishment of a database on programs and courses on BMHI education. • Production of international recommendations on BMHI education. • Support of BMHI courses and exchange of students and teachers within the EFMI countries. • Foster the accreditation process of BMHI programs in Europe. • Explore the process of certification of knowledge and skills of users in BMHI • Investigation of the possibility of establishing summer courses organized by the WG EDU • The Membership into the EFMI WG EDU (http://en.hil.nurs.uoa.gr/wgedu.html) is open to all who are interested in contributing, participating and attending the events and objectives of the Working Group.

General application process for EFMI:

EFMI is considered as most suitable and affordable organization, which aligns with the needs of the PH-ELIM project. Because of this special attention was given to get in touch with EFMI authorities, collect information on the application process and prepare the application of UDG as institutional member in EFMI.

Council decides about If accapted, membership Board gives EFMI-Board recommendati discusses on to Council Send brief membership application for Get in touch institutional with EFMI membership to President. EFMI President.

To be added in the application:

• Relation to the field of Medical Informatics in recent years. One page presentation with related teaching, research interests, etc. • Few demographics of the Institution: Size in faculty staff, charter, etc. (Size is important to decide on the fees; It is better for a related department to apply rather than the whole institution). • Contact person with CV.

3.1.2. International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA)

The IMIA is, as well as the EFMI, considered for application by ME HEIs. Therefore, general information about the IMIA were collected and special attention was given to get in touch with IMIA authorities and get information, about the application process and the possibility of application for ME HEIs. However, as the EFMI fits better into Montenegro's efforts to establish closer cooperation with EU countries and organizations, it was decided to initially apply to the EFMI. After successful integration in the EFMI an application at IMIA shall be reconsidered.

Like the Working Group Education of EFMI the IMIA has the Working Group: Health and Medical Informatics Education, which is highly interesting for the needs of ME HEIs and the PH-ELIM project. The three objectives of the working group: • To disseminate and exchange information on Health and Medical Informatics (HMI) programs and courses. • To produce international recommendations on HMI programs and courses. • To support HMI courses and exchange of students and teachers.

Align perfectly with the objectives of the PH-ELIM project. Even without prior admission to the IMIA, it would still be possible to exchange ideas with members of this working group and obtain expertise.

Goals and Objectives • Promote informatics in health care and research in health, bio and medical informatics. • Advance and nurture international cooperation. • Stimulate research, development and routine application. • Move informatics from theory into practice. • Dissemination and exchange of knowledge, information and technology. • Promote education and responsible behavior. • Represent the medical and health informatics field with the World Health Organization and other international professional and governmental organizations.

Membership • Member Societies: In each country only one appropriate body which is representative of activities within the field of medical informatics may become a Member Society. In a country where no representative societies exist, IMIA accommodates involvement through “Corresponding” members, especially within developing countries. • Institutional Members: • Corporate members include vendor, consulting, and technology firms as well as national professional organizations. • Academic members include universities, medical centres, research centres and like institutions. • Affiliate Members: International organizations that share an interest in the broad field of health and biomedical informatics.

Working Group: Health and Medical Informatics Education Objectives • To disseminate and exchange information on Health and Medical Informatics (HMI) programs and courses. • To promote the IMIA HMI database on programs and courses on HMI education. • To produce international recommendations on HMI programmes and courses. • To support HMI courses and exchange of students and teachers. • To advance the knowledge of: (1) how informatics is taught in the education of health care professionals around the world, (2) how in particular health and medical informatics is taught to students of computer science/informatics, and (3) how it is taught within dedicated curricula in health and medical informatics.

ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM (2016)

Organisation Institution:______Department:______Faculty:______Address:______Tel:______Fax: ______General e-Mail Address:______Website Address (URL):______

Contact (Proposed IMIA Representative) Name:______Work Title:______Designation(s):______Address:______Tel: ______Fax: ______Email Address: ______

Administrative Contact Name: ______Work Title: ______Address:______Tel: ______Fax: ______Email Address:______

Please Provide: An electronic version (in colour) of your organisation’s logo A brief description of your organisation and its programs and services An electronic photograph of your proposed IMIA Representative

Please return to – the IMIA Office, by email [email protected]

The current annual fee for membership is US$550.00 Applications are subject to the full approval of the IMIA General Assembly

Updated: Monday, 25 January 2016

4. Identification of international institutions and certificates useful for ME HEIs staff members

The search for fitting international institutions and certificates, which could be useful for ME HEIs staff members came along with multiple difficulties. Even thought some programs with certificates could be identified, the courses demand considerable fees, which are not feasible for ME HEIs. Because of this the participation in such courses must be linked to the successful application for scholarships and travel support.

• Austria: Summer School for public health or HTA (Health Technology Assessment), one week o UMIT: Winter school – clinical epidemiology, 5-day certification course, in English, quite expensive o UMIT is also member of SAP academy program: Offers free online courses • Switzerland: Similar courses but quite expensive • Hungary: Also has a summer school • Germany: Mainz – international master public health • CISCO offers Courses and trainings in the healthcare fields o Possibility of free offers has to be checked • http://www.summerschoolsineurope.eu/search

Suggestions and planning for 2019-2020

Having in mind that there are no clear paths how to achieve certifications for ME HEI staff members mainly due to lack of certification programs in public health fields, as well as the permanent needs for increase of expertise and recognisability of national public health community, it is suggested to identify other benefiting approaches. Also, engaged external experts are suggested to contribute on completion of this task.

5. Identification of scientific conferences, journals and committee in which ME HEIs staff members should be enrolled

5.1. Conferences

After the identification of useful conferences multiple scientific papers were written and submitted.

• International Conference on Informatics, Management and Technology in Healthcare (ICIMTH) o Paper: § Ognjanović I, Šendelj R, Knaup P, Mantas J, Adany R, Ammenwerth E, Nikolić G, Jakšić Stojanović A, Đurić D. The Stratified Framework for Enhancement of Study Programs in Public Health in Montenegro. Stud Health Technol Inform. 2018; 251:301-304. PMID: 29968663. o Poster: § Advanced evidence-based public health education at universities in Montenegro. § A Qualitative Study of Primary Healthcare Physicians’ Perspectives on Physician Performance Measures in Hungary. • Medical Informatics Europe (MIE) o Nantschev R, Knaup P, Mantas J, Varga O, Ognjanovic I, Ammenwerth E. International collaboration to advance teaching competencies of academic staff in Montenegro: A study on self-regulation, Poster at Medical Informatics Europe (MIE 2018), 25. April 2018, Götheburg. • InfoFest o Publication: BojanaTošić, Max Seitz, Renate Nantschev, Ivana Ognjanović, Anđela Jakšić Stojanović, Petra Knaup, John Mantas, Elske Ammenwerth, Rosa Adany (2018). EDUCATION IN MEDICAL INFORMATICS: FUTURE PERSPECTIVES AND APPLICATIONS.

5.2. Journals

ME HEIs staff shall be motivated to publish scientific articles in the previously identified journals. Also, ME HEIs staff shall enrol as reviewers or board members. To support and accelerate ME HEIs staff member integration in public health related scientific journals, EU Partners are encouraged to recommend ME HEIs staff members for engagement in different journals.

Proposer Journal Nominee Position Status (Institution) European Journal for Prof. Petra Knaup Assist. Prof. dr In pool of Biomedical Informatics Reviewer (UHEI) Ivana Ognjanović reviewers (EJBI) Medical Informatics, Prof. Petra Knaup Assist. Prof. dr Biometry and Reviewer 1st Review (UHEI) Ivana Ognjanović Epidemiology (MIBE) Medical Informatics, Prof. Petra Knaup In pool of Biometry and Prof. Ramo Šendelj Reviewer (UHEI) reviewers Epidemiology (MIBE) Medical Informatics, Prof. Petra Knaup In pool of Biometry and Prof. Dragan Đurić Reviewer (UHEI) reviewers Epidemiology (MIBE) Prof. Elske Applied Clinical Assist. Prof. dr Ammenwerth Reviewer Open Informatics (ACI) Ivana Ognjanović (UMIT) Prof. Elske Methods of Information Assist. Prof. dr Ammenwerth Reviewer Open in Medicine Ivana Ognjanović (UMIT) International Journal of Prof. Elske Assist. Prof. dr Medical informatics Ammenwerth Reviewer Open Ivana Ognjanović (IJMI) (UMIT)

Computers in Biology Prof. Petra Knaup Prof. Dragan Đurić Reviewer Open and Medicine (UHEI)

6. Establishment of joined projects between ME and EU

It was possible to establish the DMIN project between: • University of Heidelberg, Germany • Institute of Modern Technology (IMTM), Montenegro • University of Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology (UMIT), Austria • ASSIST Software SRL, Romania

Sponsor: BMBF, funding code 01DS18002

Danube Medical Informatics Network (DMIN)

Modern medical research is heavily relying on the collection and analysis of an enormous amount of heterogeneous data as they are for example generated by biomolecular high- throughput analysis. These data can only be used for particular research questions, for therapy decisions if the data are integrated, semantically interoperable, and of high quality. Research projects in the field of the EU-Societal Challenge 1 “Health, demographic change and wellbeing” in Horizon 2020 will have to address the provision of a sophisticated medical informatics research infrastructure to be able to perform innovative research. Therefore, it is the aim of this project to establish a Danube Medical Informatics Network (DMIN) and to prepare joint proposals for Horizon 2020 together with clinical partners in the participating countries. DMIN will, among other activities, conduct workshops to establish the network, analyse local regulations for data sharing, and develop recommendations for metadata structures in biomedical research projects.

7. Outlook

The outlook of the progress report focuses on continuing tasks and objectives still to be achieved.

Funding schemes for exchanging staff and students with EU HEIs • As most suitable international funding option the Erasmus+ international credit mobility (ICM) was identified. On national level the Baden-Württemberg Scholarship and DAAD seem promising for an exchange between University of Heidelberg and ME HEIs. Detailed suggestions are provided and defined.

Identification of associations, bodies, committees in public health in which ME institutions should become member • It was decided to apply for membership in the European Federation for Medical Informatics Association (EFMI). Further information for the application shall be collected. Contact with EFMI representatives is already established. After receiving the official application form, all required application documents will be prepared. Also contact with the EFMI president will be established • Aim is to receive the official EFMI membership as soon as possible. • Also for better integration, it is aimed to participate in the Working Group EDU – Education. It can be considered that especially their expertise and work in the fields of, “Exchange of experiences of how BMHI is taught and to improve the implementation”, “Support of BMHI courses and exchange of students and teachers within the EFMI countries”, “Foster the accreditation process of BMHI programs in Europe”, “Explore the process of certification of knowledge and skills of users in BMHI”, will be of great help for the further development of public health in Montenegro.

Identification of international institutions and certificates useful for ME HEIs staff members • Obtaining international certificates in the public health sector for ME HEIs proves to be difficult because the courses demand considerable fees, which are not feasible for ME HEIs.

• Because of this the participation in such courses must be linked to the successful application for scholarships and travel support. See for example: 2. Funding schemes for exchanging staff and students with EU HEIs. • Close cooperation with engaged external experts to identify and implement benefiting activities, aimed on enhancing the public health community at national, institutional and individual levels.

Identification of scientific conferences, journals and committee in which ME HEIs staff members should be enrolled • After suitable journals were identified the EU partners started recommending ME HEIs staff as reviewers and board members to accelerate the integration. • Carry on recommendation of ME HEIs staff in different journals. • Dissemination of the project on EU conferences. o Multiple scientific papers/posters were published and presented. o ME HEIs staff is encouraged to further submit and present their work on EU conferences.

Establishment of joined projects between ME and EU • DMIN will start joined work of partners with a currently organised workshop in May in Heidelberg. • The possibility to established additional projects needs further evaluation.

References

1. https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus/programme-guide/part-b/three-key- actions/key-action-1/mobility-education-training-youth_en 2. https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus/programme-guide/part-b/three-key- actions/key-action-1/mobility-higher-education-students-staff_en 3. https://ec.europa.eu/neighbourhood-enlargement/instruments/funding-by- country/montenegro_en?width=700px&height=550px&inline=true#colorbox-inline- 569331081 4. https://eu.daad.de/infos-fuer-hochschulen/programmlinien/foerderung-von- mobilitaet/de/45632-mobilitaet-mit-partnerlaendern-ka10/ 5. https://www.bw-stipendium.de/en/workers/workers/general-conditions/ 6. https://www.bw-stipendium.de/en/students/bws-for-university-students/general- conditions/ 7. https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus- plus/sites/erasmusplus2/files/international-credit-mobility-handbook_en.pdf 8. http://imia-medinfo.org/wp/welcome-to-imia-2/ 9. https://www.efmi.org/about/mission-and-history