EndoCompass project: research roadmap for calcium and bone endocrinology

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Katharina Jähn-Rickert - , University of Hamburg (Author)
  • Karin Zibar Tomšić - , University of Zagreb (Author)
  • Athanasios D. Anastasilakis - , 424 General Military Training Hospital, Greece (Author)
  • Jean Philippe Bertocchio - , Public Assistance - Paris Hospitals (Author)
  • Maria Luisa Brandi - , Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (Author)
  • Martin Fassnacht - , University of Würzburg (Author)
  • Moira Shang Mei Cheung - , Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust (Author)
  • Evelien Gevers - , Queen Mary University of London (Author)
  • Neil Gittoes - , University of Birmingham (Author)
  • Outi Mäkitie - , University of Helsinki, Karolinska Institutet (Author)
  • Gabriel Ángel Martos-Moreno - , Hospital Infantil Universitario Nino Jesus de Madrid, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, CIBER - Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (Author)
  • Petar Milovanovic - , University of Belgrade (Author)
  • Adalbert Raimann - , Medical University of Vienna (Author)
  • Michaela Tencerova - , Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences (Author)
  • Elena Tsourdi - , Department of Internal Medicine III, University Centre for Healthy Ageing (Author)
  • Annegreet G. Vlug - , Leiden University, Jan Van Goyen Medical Center, Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis (OLVG) (Author)
  • Wolfgang Högler - , Johannes Kepler University Linz (Author)
  • Peter Kamenický - , Université Paris-Saclay (Author)

Abstract

Background: Endocrine science remains underrepresented in European Union research programmes despite the fundamental role of hormone health in human well-being. Analysis of the CORDIS database reveals a persistent gap between the societal impact of endocrine disorders and their research prioritization. At national funding level, endocrine societies report limited or little attention of national research funding towards endocrinology. The EndoCompass project—a joint initiative between the European Society of Endocrinology and the European Society of Paediatric Endocrinology—aimed to identify and promote strategic research priorities in endocrine science to address critical hormone-related health challenges. Methods: Research priorities were established through comprehensive analysis of the EU CORDIS database covering the Horizon 2020 framework period (2014-2020). Expert consultation in bone and calcium endocrinology was conducted to identify key research priorities, followed by broader stakeholder engagement including society members and patient advocacy groups. Results: Research priorities encompass primary hyperparathyroidism, chronic hypoparathyroidism, and rare calcium–phosphate disorders. Key areas include bone as endocrine organ, bone mass acquisition, secondary osteoporosis, and skeletal dysplasias. Special emphasis is placed on cellular senescence, sex-specific differences in disease manifestation, and development of novel diagnostic tools for bone quality assessment. Conclusions: This component of the EndoCompass project provides an evidence-based roadmap for strategic research investment. This framework identifies crucial investigation areas into metabolic bone disease pathophysiology, prevention, and treatment strategies, ultimately aimed at reducing the burden of these disorders on individuals and society. The findings support the broader EndoCompass objective of aligning research funding with areas of highest potential impact in endocrine health.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)ii23-ii34
Number of pages12
JournalEuropean journal of endocrinology
Volume193
Issue numberSuppl 2
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2025
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 41104471

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

Keywords

  • bone, bone mass acquisition, bone mineralization, bone quality, calcium, cellular senescence, diagnostic technologies, hypoparathyroidism, hypophosphataemia, inactivating PTH/PTHrP signalling disorders, osteocytes, osteoporosis, parathyroid hormone, phosphate, primary hyperparathyroidism, skeletal dysplasia, targeted treatments, vitamin D