Annual "Horizon Scanning in Healthcare" Conference Held at Sechenov University
On 3 December 2025, Sechenov University hosted the annual Horizon Scanning in Healthcare conference — the flagship event of the Healthcare Horizon Scanning Centre. The conference brought together policymakers, regulators, researchers, clinicians, representatives of the pharmaceutical and medical technology industries, digital health companies, financial institutions and patient organisations.
The discussion focused on the future of the healthcare system over the next 5−10 years and on the strategic decisions that need to be taken today to ensure technological leadership, sustainability and patient access to high-value innovations.
Rather than addressing individual technologies in isolation, participants examined emerging therapeutic platforms and systemic transformations, including gene and cell therapies, advanced immunotherapies, digital health solutions and data-driven medicine. Speakers emphasised that real clinical impact depends not only on scientific breakthroughs, but on the alignment of research priorities, regulatory frameworks, financing mechanisms and healthcare delivery models.
A central theme of the conference was the role of horizon scanning as an early strategic instrument — enabling timely identification of promising scientific directions, formulation of relevant research agendas, anticipation of regulatory and infrastructure needs, and preparation of healthcare systems for the introduction of complex and high-cost technologies.
The discussion focused on the future of the healthcare system over the next 5−10 years and on the strategic decisions that need to be taken today to ensure technological leadership, sustainability and patient access to high-value innovations.
Rather than addressing individual technologies in isolation, participants examined emerging therapeutic platforms and systemic transformations, including gene and cell therapies, advanced immunotherapies, digital health solutions and data-driven medicine. Speakers emphasised that real clinical impact depends not only on scientific breakthroughs, but on the alignment of research priorities, regulatory frameworks, financing mechanisms and healthcare delivery models.
A central theme of the conference was the role of horizon scanning as an early strategic instrument — enabling timely identification of promising scientific directions, formulation of relevant research agendas, anticipation of regulatory and infrastructure needs, and preparation of healthcare systems for the introduction of complex and high-cost technologies.
The conference also addressed the evolving role of healthcare systems as key allocators of value and incentives for innovation. Discussions covered approaches to assessing therapeutic value, outcomes-based payment models, flexible reimbursement mechanisms for advanced therapies, and the use of real-world evidence to support policy and funding decisions.
Based on the conference discussions, a formal resolution and a set of analytical materials are being prepared. These outputs will serve as a foundation for structured dialogue with public authorities, development institutions, universities and industry stakeholders.
For the Healthcare Horizon Scanning Centre, the conference is not only a forum for expert exchange, but a working instrument — translating horizon scanning insights into concrete policy recommendations, strategic priorities and practical pathways for bringing therapeutically valuable innovations to patients.
Based on the conference discussions, a formal resolution and a set of analytical materials are being prepared. These outputs will serve as a foundation for structured dialogue with public authorities, development institutions, universities and industry stakeholders.
For the Healthcare Horizon Scanning Centre, the conference is not only a forum for expert exchange, but a working instrument — translating horizon scanning insights into concrete policy recommendations, strategic priorities and practical pathways for bringing therapeutically valuable innovations to patients.
Significant attention was given to creating an enabling environment for biomedical innovation, including the development of competitive research careers, the role of universities as integrated innovation hubs, and mechanisms for attracting private investment. Participants highlighted the importance of predictable regulation, access to high-quality clinical and real-world data, and scalable pathways for national and international implementation.
Sechenov University Participates in the International Conference on Health Technology Assessment (ICONHTA) in Vietnam
Sechenov University Participates in the International Conference on Health Technology Assessment (ICONHTA) in Vietnam
On 13−14 December 2025, the International Conference on Health Technology Assessment (ICONHTA) was held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. ICONHTA is the country’s leading national and international forum on health technology assessment (HTA), bringing together regulators, academic institutions and HTA experts to support the development and integration of HTA into healthcare decision-making.
The conference was organised by Hong Bang International University in cooperation with the Vietnam Hospital Pharmacists Association, with the participation of representatives of the Ministry of Health of Vietnam. Over recent years, ICONHTA has become a key platform for strengthening the national HTA system and for discussing its role in reimbursement, financing and procurement of medical technologies.
The conference brought together more than 400 participants, including representatives of public authorities, national universities and research centres, clinicians, the pharmaceutical industry, and international experts from Europe and Asia. The programme included plenary sessions, thematic tracks, poster presentations and a young researchers' forum.
Special attention was given to the application of HTA in the context of digital transformation of healthcare, the use of real-world data, the development of hospital-based HTA, and the transition towards value-based procurement and payment models.
On 13−14 December 2025, the International Conference on Health Technology Assessment (ICONHTA) was held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. ICONHTA is the country’s leading national and international forum on health technology assessment (HTA), bringing together regulators, academic institutions and HTA experts to support the development and integration of HTA into healthcare decision-making.
The conference was organised by Hong Bang International University in cooperation with the Vietnam Hospital Pharmacists Association, with the participation of representatives of the Ministry of Health of Vietnam. Over recent years, ICONHTA has become a key platform for strengthening the national HTA system and for discussing its role in reimbursement, financing and procurement of medical technologies.
The conference brought together more than 400 participants, including representatives of public authorities, national universities and research centres, clinicians, the pharmaceutical industry, and international experts from Europe and Asia. The programme included plenary sessions, thematic tracks, poster presentations and a young researchers' forum.
Special attention was given to the application of HTA in the context of digital transformation of healthcare, the use of real-world data, the development of hospital-based HTA, and the transition towards value-based procurement and payment models.
Sechenov University was represented by Dmitry Shchurov, Head of the Healthcare Horizon Scanning Centre at Sechenov University, who delivered a presentation entitled "Application of HTA in Strategic Procurement and Payment Mechanism Development." His presentation demonstrated how HTA is currently applied in the Russian context to support decisions on financing and procurement of medical technologies at both national and regional levels.
A dedicated session focused on innovative payment models, which are expected to become a core mechanism for financing high-cost and personalised technologies in the future. Participation of the Healthcare Horizon Scanning Centre at Sechenov University in ICONHTA contributed to international professional dialogue and provided an opportunity to present Russian expertise in HTA, strategic planning and healthcare foresight.
Following the conference, the Healthcare Horizon Scanning Centre at Sechenov University and Hong Bang International University agreed to establish strategic cooperation in the fields of HTA and horizon scanning. The partnership will include exchange of experience, joint analytical initiatives and the development of professional educational programmes.
A dedicated session focused on innovative payment models, which are expected to become a core mechanism for financing high-cost and personalised technologies in the future. Participation of the Healthcare Horizon Scanning Centre at Sechenov University in ICONHTA contributed to international professional dialogue and provided an opportunity to present Russian expertise in HTA, strategic planning and healthcare foresight.
Following the conference, the Healthcare Horizon Scanning Centre at Sechenov University and Hong Bang International University agreed to establish strategic cooperation in the fields of HTA and horizon scanning. The partnership will include exchange of experience, joint analytical initiatives and the development of professional educational programmes.
