Subject: VPH newsletter - October 2026

Dear Reader,

On 20–21 October 2026, the Virtual Human Twin (VHT) community came together for the Annual VHT Day 2026, bringing together leading researchers, clinicians, technology providers and policymakers to advance Europe’s Virtual Human Twin ecosystem and explore how computational models can move from “byte to bedside.”

The event highlighted the Advanced VHT Platform as a cornerstone of European healthcare innovation, aligned with the EU’s AI Continent Action Plan and the European Health Data Space (EHDS). Discussions focused on building a secure, interoperable and federated infrastructure that connects expertise across borders and translates advances in modelling and simulation into safe, evidence-based solutions for clinicians and patients.

A key message resonated throughout the event: building Virtual Human Twins is a collective endeavour. With more than 150 signatories to the VHT Manifesto and a User Group of over 200 experts across 21 countries, the community is actively shaping the platform’s requirements, governance and real-world applications. As the VHTnet consortium works towards a Minimum Viable Product in September 2027 and a full platform release in September 2028, collaboration remains central to turning this shared ambition into impact.

Read on for more updates and community news in this edition!

Enjoy the reading,

VPH team

POLICY

In Silico Evidence Training for Frontline Regulatory Reviewers

The UK Centre of Excellence on In Silico Regulatory Science and Innovation (UK CEiRSI) kicked off its two-day training workshop in London on 14–15 October 2026, at the invitation of the International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF).

Final Call for Input on the AI & Virtual Human Twins Joint Statement

The HPP Thematic Network on "Building Responsible Ecosystem Solutions: AI and Virtual Human Twins in Healthcare" is entering its final phase and invites stakeholders to contribute their feedback to the draft Joint Statement.

MHRA Strategy 2030 highlights in-silico evidence, digital twins and hybrid trials

The UK regulator plans new guidance and regulatory frameworks to advance computational evidence, digital twins and synthetic data in medicines development and clinical trials.

Investment in In-Silico Regulatory Science could boost UK growth and patient health

Office of Health Economics's report highlights the potential health, economic and industry benefits of investing in the UK Centre of Excellence for In-Silico Regulatory Science and Innovation, provided adequate funding is secured.

COMMUNITY

VPH partners in two new EC projects: CHAIN and AIGENT

CHAIN and AIGENT kick off, strengthening European collaboration in artificial intelligence, digital twins and in silico medicine.

ARPA-H Launches SURPASS Program to accelerate Clinical Trials

The initiative aims to reduce clinical trial timelines to less than four years through artificial intelligence, predictive computational models and adaptive trial designs.

Vacancy on In Silico Medicine Policy Landscape & Regulatory Science

VPH is hiring! Join our team to work at the interface of science, healthcare, industry and European policy to support the responsible adoption of emerging health technologies.

In the literature: October 2026 highlights

Discover the recently published papers from our community!

THE DIGITAL TWIN THEORY PODCAST

27. I was there: The history of in silico medicine Pt.2

In this episode, we welcome Professor Marco Viceconti to explore the field’s recent history, the origins of VPH and Insigneo, and the challenges of translating computational models into everyday clinical practice.

Click here

YOUNG SCIENTISTS

VPH Summer School 2027 - Bertinoro, Italy

Are you ready for the VPH Summer School 2027?

For the first time, the VPH Summer School will take place in Bertinoro, Italy, from 31 May to 4 June 2027! Get ready for a week of inspiring lectures, hands-on activities, networking, and social events, all set within the stunning surroundings of a medieval hilltop fortress.

VPH Webinar Series | 17 November 2026 | What Matters in Your Model? Uncertainty Quantification and Sensitivity Analysis

Join Prof. Leif Rune Hellevik (NTNU) for an introduction to uncertainty quantification (UQ) and global sensitivity analysis (SA), exploring how these methods help assess the reliability of model predictions through examples from cardiovascular modelling.

VPH Webinar Series | October 2026 | Navigating Grants and Fellowships: Your First Application (Recordings available)

Starting an independent research career often means navigating the complex world of research funding for the first time, with limited guidance on how to develop a strong application. In this webinar, experienced researchers from different career stages and countries will share their funding experiences and practical insights with early-career researchers.