The ALADDIN Project has ended – But its educational mission lives on

After three years of dedicated collaboration, the ALADDIN project has officially come to an end. Funded by the European Union, ALADDIN set out to improve education in paediatric drug development and regulatory science, particularly for those outside the traditional research and regulatory fields.

The project brought together partners from across Europe, including researchers, clinicians, regulators, educators, and patient advocates, to create high-quality, accessible educational programme and learning materials.

Addressing an important gap

There is a clear gap in knowledge and understanding when it comes to how drugs are developed and approved for use in children and young people, not just among professionals, but also among patients, parents, and advocates. ALADDIN was created to close this gap. It offered a dedicated educational programme for learners at different levels for different audiences, ranging from early career researchers to patient advocates. The project focused on the unique challenges and processes involved in bringing medicines for children and adolescents to market.

ALADDIN’s Impact

For families and survivors affected by childhood cancer, understanding drug development is more than an academic exercise: it is a way to actively influence better, safer, and more appropriate treatments. Through ALADDIN, patient advocates, caregivers, and even young people themselves are equipped to:

  • Speak the same language as scientists and regulators
  • Contribute to clinical research design
  • Help shape better, safer, and more appropriate treatments for children with cancer

Involving Patients: CCI Europe’s Contribution

By providing the patient perspective, CCI Europe played a key role in shaping the educational materials to reflect real-life needs and experiences. This involvement included co-designing learning content, bringing the patient voice in workshops and advisory meetings, and ensuring that the materials were clear, inclusive, and relevant for families affected by childhood cancer.

The mission continues

Although the ALADDIN project has officially ended, its mission continues. The knowledge shared through this platform is meant to support and empower the patient community long-term.

Through the ALADDIN education portal, learners will continue having access to:

  • Interactive online training modules
  • Educational videos and webinars
  • Podcasts
  • Infographics
  • Scientific materials presented in lay-friendly language

The end of the project marks not a conclusion, but a lasting opportunity for patients, families, and advocates to strengthen their understanding of paediatric drug development and become more active partners in shaping the future of childhood cancer care.