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NEWSLETTER N°5 / May 2025
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Welcome to the
5th Long COVID Newsletter!
We are pleased to present the 4th edition of our Long COVID EU project newsletter. This issue offers a comprehensive overview of our recent engagement efforts, along with highlights from our ongoing communication activities.
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The Long COVID project is a 4-year research project funded by the EU and coordinated by the Helsinki University Hospital (HUS). Since June 1, 2022, the consortium has been working together to understand the mechanisms of host-virus response underlying the long-term symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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On 17th of December 2024, the Long COVID EU Project successfully hosted its second official webinar, attracting 34 participants for a compelling session focused on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in transforming patient care within the context of Long COVID. The event featured four engaging presentations from our partners:
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Insights from the 2nd Webinar
Transforming Healthcare: Insights into the Long COVID EU Project and the role of AI in Patient Care
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1. Insights into the Long COVID EU Project
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Helena Liira, the project coordinator, kicked off the session by providing an overview of the Long COVID EU Project. She shared the origins of the project, which began in 2021 with the launch of a dedicated clinic and cohort study in Finland. Funded in 2022, the project involves ten work packages covering clinical and biomechanistic research, AI, communication, and ethics. Key partners from Finland, Estonia, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Italy are collaborating to achieve the project's goals. Data is collected from clinical cohorts in Helsinki and Basel, as well as a large population cohort in Groningen, where it is securely analysed. AI plays a vital role in interpreting this data, alongside genetic and metabolic studies, to advance our understanding of Long COVID.
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2. How AI could be used for personalised medicine
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Giampaolo Pileggi, WP5 leader of the Long COVID project, discussed the application of AI in precision medicine, particularly in the context of Long COVID. He provided an overview of AI technologies, including machine learning and deep learning, explaining how they can simulate human thinking to predict outcomes based on data. G. Pileggi emphasised AI's role in personalised medicine, using multimodal data (such as genomics and imaging) to create tailored treatments for patients. In the Long COVID project, AI is being applied to identify novel biomarkers and help stratify patients based on their unique data. One of the key goals is to co-create solutions with clinicians to ensure the AI models align with real-world medical needs.
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3. Trust in AI
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In a follow-up presentation, Giampaolo Pileggi explored the critical issue of trust in AI, especially in healthcare, where AI-driven decisions can directly affect patient outcomes. He stressed that AI models should not be seen as "black boxes" and emphasised the need for transparency and explainability. Introducing Explainable AI (XAI), he clarified how techniques like gradient-based methods and saliency maps allow clinicians to trace AI predictions back to their influencing factors, providing a clear rationale behind decisions. G. Pileggi further emphasised that AI should serve as a decision support tool, not a replacement for physicians in diagnosis and treatment. Building trust in AI requires high-quality data, collaboration between clinicians and AI developers, and the minimisation of biases.
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Lastly, he highlighted the evolving AI legislation in Europe, particularly the AI Act, which classifies AI systems based on risk levels. This regulatory framework is essential to ensuring that AI algorithms meet safety and transparency standards, crucial for building trust in healthcare applications.
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4. Impact of the AI Act on the healthcare sector
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Mauro Melli, WP7 leader, provided an insightful overview of the AI Act and its implications for the Long COVID EU Project. Launched in 2024, the AI Act is designed to ensure that AI systems in Europe are both safe and trustworthy, classifying them based on their associated risk levels with a strong focus on safety and fundamental rights. In healthcare, AI systems are required to meet stringent safety standards, including comprehensive risk management and transparency measures. From August 2024 onward, practices such as manipulating individuals or exploiting vulnerable groups will be strictly prohibited. The Act also underscores the importance of human oversight in AI decision-making, particularly within healthcare, ensuring that AI systems are reliable, well-documented, and contribute to safeguarding patient safety across Europe.
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The session concluded with a lively Q&A and open discussion, providing attendees with the chance to engage with speakers and experts, share insights, and deepen their understanding of AI's role in addressing Long COVID.
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A warm thank you to all participants and speakers for their valuable contributions and for advancing the dialogue on AI innovation, ethics, and its impact on healthcare.
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Join us for the next webinar in our 2025 series!
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We’re excited to continue our webinar series in 2025, offering more opportunities for learning, exchange, and collaboration.
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Our next webinar is scheduled for 23rd of May 2025, and will focus on the biomarker research of the Long COVID EU Project. We’re thrilled to have our partners from Lipotype, Protobios, and the University of Helsinki share their insights on:
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- Long COVID and lipids
- Immunoprofiling of antibody immune response
- Sick and tired of Long COVID? Genetics helping to understand disease mechanisms
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Following the presentations, there will be an interactive Q&A session, where participants can engage with our expert speakers and ask questions.
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Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to deepen your understanding of Long COVID research. Secure your spot today by registering here!
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Long COVID Videos out now!
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New Project Videos out now: Explore the clinical side of Long COVID!
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We’re excited to share our latest video updates from the Long COVID EU Project! This edition takes you deeper into the project’s clinical research, offering valuable insights from our medical experts on the real-life impact of Long COVID. Hélène Rotkirch Virrantaus, Sanna Stålnacke and Alexandra Sulg, all specialists in general medicine and PhD students at the Helsinki University Hospital (HUS), share their insights into their research. Watch the videos and dive deeper into the following topics:
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Understanding the complexity of Long COVID
Hélène Rotkirch Virrantaus shares her insights into her research on Long COVID symptoms, quality of life, and treatment experiences.
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As part of her ongoing thesis, she is examining the symptoms, quality of life, and treatment experiences of patients living with Long COVID conditions. Within the context of this EU HORIZON project, she and her team developed visual tools known as “infographs”. These illustrations aim to explain the functioning of the brain’s stress system and the multifactorial nature of Long COVID. The infographs, draw on models developed by Chloe Saunders[1] and Kasia Kozlowska[2], are rooted in a biopsychosocial framework. This perspective helps to incorporate the many different aspects of a patient’s life and health, allowing for a more holistic approach to recovery.
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The team actively gathers feedback from patients and is continuously working to make the infographs more accessible. So far, patients have responded positively, finding the materials both clear and informative.
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Looking ahead, focus group interviews will be conducted to further evaluate and refine these tools. The ultimate goal is to enhance communication and improve patient interactions by using the infographs as a supportive resource in the care of individuals with Long COVID.
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Functional Impairments in Long COVID
Sanna Stålnacke, a specialist in general medicine, presents findings on how Long COVID affects daily functioning[3].
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The study was conducted at Helsinki University Hospital in Finland and compared individuals with Long COVID to a control group. The findings revealed that patients with Long COVID exhibited moderate functional limitations, while the control group showed either normal functioning or only mild limitations. Additionally, Long COVID patients demonstrated a shorter walking distance in the six-minute walk test. Factors such as comorbid anxiety, depression, and smoking were identified as predictors of poorer functioning.
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These results reinforce the understanding of Long COVID as a multifactorial condition that necessitates a comprehensive, holistic approach to rehabilitation. Going forward, the research will include a one-year follow-up to assess how patients' functioning evolves over time.
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Returning to work after Long COVID
Alexandra Sulg, a specialist in general medicine and occupational healthcare and currently a PhD student, shares key findings from her research on returning to work with Long COVID.
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She interviewed 32 patients with post-COVID condition to gain insight into their personal experiences, perceptions of workability, and the role of rehabilitation in their return to employment. Through qualitative analysis, five main categories emerged that either hindered or facilitated the return to work: person-related factors, workplace-related factors, social security system-related factors, healthcare system-related factors, and the broader social environment.
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Among the factors that supported return to work were individuals’ own coping strategies in managing post-COVID symptoms, particularly mental health challenges and stress. The ability to engage in self-directed rehabilitation also played a key role. At the workplace level, support and understanding from supervisors and colleagues, as well as opportunities for job modification, were highly valued. Within the social security system, the option for partial sick leave was frequently mentioned as beneficial. In the healthcare system, patients highlighted the importance of having their symptoms properly explained, receiving appropriate rehabilitation guidance, and having access to services. Feeling heard and acknowledged by healthcare professionals was also seen as essential. Support from family, friends, and peer groups further contributed to a positive return to work experience.
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Conversely, several factors hindered the process. These included the persistence of severe symptoms such as fatigue, difficulties with concentration, pain, and mental health issues. In the healthcare system, patients cited a lack of understanding about post-COVID condition and limited access to necessary services. At the workplace, inflexible job roles and a lack of awareness about post-COVID and its rehabilitation needs were common challenges. In the broader social environment, insufficient support and understanding were noted, and difficulties in accessing benefits due to unmet eligibility criteria posed problems within the social security system.
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The findings suggest that the return to work process for individuals with post-COVID condition shares many similarities with that of other chronic conditions. Successful reintegration into work life requires coordinated support and collaboration among individuals, employers, healthcare providers, the social security system, and the social environment.
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Watch the full video and subscribe to the Long COVID EU Project YouTube channel!
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Watch the video to gain first-hand perspectives from our clinicians and stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes updates, as our project partners continue to share their perspectives!
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Long COVID Awareness Month
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Spreading Knowledge - Social Media Campaign
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In March, we launched a targeted social media campaign in recognition of Long COVID Awareness Month, aiming to improve public understanding of both the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the ongoing scientific efforts to uncover the mechanisms behind Long COVID. The campaign served as a key outreach initiative of the Long COVID EU Project, engaging diverse audiences with evidence-based content and behind-the-scenes looks into the project's research activities.
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Laying the Groundwork: Understanding Viruses & COVID-19
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To set the stage, the first weeks of the campaign focused on building foundational knowledge. We provided accessible explanations on:
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This educational content was designed to help our audience appreciate the complexity of viral diseases and the importance of ongoing research.
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Spotlight on 15th of March: Long COVID Awareness Day
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A key milestone was the Long COVID Awareness Day on 15th of March, which served as the launchpad for a deeper dive into the research being carried out by our project partners.
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We introduced and explained some of the advanced, interdisciplinary approaches our researchers are using to uncover the biological mechanisms of Long COVID, including:
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By engaging audiences with clear, accessible explanations and dynamic visuals, our campaign not only increased awareness but also built trust in the scientific process. We thank everyone who joined the conversation, shared our posts, and helped amplify the importance of advancing research to support those living with Long COVID.
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Missed the campaign? No worries!
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Long COVID EU Project - Past Events
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5th Consortium Meeting -
Driving Results forward in a key year for the project
On 13th – 14th of February, the project held its 5th consortium meeting online, bringing together all partners to share updates, reflect on progress, and align priorities for the year ahead.
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As we move further into 2025—a pivotal year for the project—discussions are increasingly focused on final results, ongoing activities, and upcoming investigations to ensure we achieve our ambitious objectives.
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Day 1: Focus on scientific and biomechanistic work
Day one was dedicated to scientific and biomechanistic studies, where partners presented and reviewed preliminary results. The discussions were insightful and enriched by the consortium’s diverse expertise, helping to further strengthen the quality of our research, publications, and overall impact.
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Day 2: Focus on scientific and clinical findings
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On the second day, the meeting continued with a summary of key scientific and clinical findings, followed by updates on the project’s AI-related work packages. The agenda then shifted to important topics including ethics, project management, and strategies for exploiting results to ensure long-term value and uptake.
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We are thankful for the excellent collaboration and productive exchanges throughout the meeting.
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Consortium Workshop on Exploitation of Results -
Setting the Groundwork for future Impact
On 11th of April 2025, the consortium came together online to take important steps toward shaping the project’s exploitation strategy. The workshop was expertly moderated by our partner from Steinbeis Europa Zentrum, who leads the work package on dissemination and exploitation.
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This interactive session focused on assessing the current status of the project’s expected results and laying the foundation for the development of targeted exploitation roadmaps. Partners collaborated in thematic breakout groups—clinical, scientific, and technical—to provide updates, align on priorities, and refine strategies for maximising impact.
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In addition to the focused group work, there were also lively and productive discussions among all participants, fostering a collaborative atmosphere and sharing valuable insights across disciplines. The exchange of ideas contributed to a deeper understanding of the project’s progress and opportunities, reinforcing a strong sense of shared ownership and commitment.
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Overall, the workshop was a big success and an important step towards making sure our project’s results have a strong and lasting impact.
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Upcoming Milestones and Events
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Closing the current reporting period and heading into the last year of Long COVID EU Project in June
As we step into June, we mark the end of three successful years in the Long COVID EU Project and the beginning of its final year. This milestone also coincides with a shift in our reporting periods—meaning the current reporting phase will conclude in May 2025, with the project review meeting scheduled for this fall. Stay tuned for more updates!
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Partner Meeting in Helsinki
The consortium will meet together in June in lovely Helsinki – Stay tuned for updates!
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Our 3rd Webinar - Insights into the Biomarker Research
of the Long COVID Project
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The next webinar will take place on the 23rd of May and is dedicated to gain insights into the project’s biomarker research. Secure your spot and register here.
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Peer-reviewed scientific publications
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- Karisola, Piia; et al. Patients with post-COVID-19 condition show minor blood transcriptomic changes, with altered erythrocyte gene expression in a male subgroup. Frontiers in immunology. 2025. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2025.1500997
- Vangelova-Korpinen, Velina; et al. Effectiveness of mindfulness-based online therapy or internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy compared with treatment as usual among patients with persistent somatic symptoms: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial. PloS one. 2025. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0316169
- Ojha, Ravi; et al. Dynamin independent endocytosis is an alternative cell entry mechanism for multiple animal viruses. PLoS pathogens. 2024. doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.1012690.
- Stålnacke, S.; et al. Functioning of post-COVID-19 patients: a cross-sectional study at the outpatient clinic for long-term effects. Scand J Prim Health Care. 2024.doi: 10.1080/02813432.2024.2410986
- Tatham, L.; et al. Ronapreve (REGN-CoV; casirivimab and imdevimab) reduces the viral burden and alters the pulmonary response to the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant (B.1.617.2) in K18-hACE2 mice using an experimental design reflective of a treatment use case. Microbiol Spectr. 2024. doi: 10.1128/spectrum.03916-23
- Liira, H.; et al. Prognosis of patients with post-Covid-19 condition: Prospective cohort cluster analysis at one year. J Psychosom Res. 2024. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2024.111808
- Virrantaus, H.; et al. Prognosis of patients with long COVID symptoms: a protocol for a longitudinal cohort study at a primary care referred outpatient clinic in Helsinki, Finland. BMJ Open. 2023. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-072935
- De Neck, S.; et al. The Stereotypic Response of the Pulmonary Vasculature to Respiratory Viral Infections: Findings in Mouse Models of SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A and Gammaherpesvirus Infections. Viruses. 2023. doi: 10.3390/v15081637
- Kettunen, P.; et al. SARS-CoV-2 Infection of Human Neurons Is TMPRSS2 Independent, Requires Endosomal Cell Entry, and Can Be Blocked by Inhibitors of Host Phosphoinositol-5 Kinase. Journal of Virology. 2023. doi: 10.1128/jvi.00144-23
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These publications are also available in the Long COVID Community on Zenodo, a multi-disciplinary open repository maintained by CERN and can be found on the Long COVID website as well.
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Project Coordinator
Helena Liira
Helsinki University Hospital
Helsinki, Finland
helena.liira@hus.fi
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Mari Kanerva (Clinical Studies)
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Helsinki University Hospital
Helsinki, Finland
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Giuseppe Balistreri (Mechanistic Studies)
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Project Coordinator-Support
Riikka Paasikivi
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Communication & Dissemination Leader
Lena Schleicher
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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA). Neither the European Union nor HaDEA can be held responsible for them. This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon Europe reserach and innovation programme under grand agreement No 101057553. This work was supported by the Swiss State for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) under contract number 22.00094.
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