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Here is the quarterly newsletter of OpenSourceResearch Collaboration (OSRC)

In this newsletter, you can read about our projects and events.

We hope you enjoy reading it!

Kind regards,
Communication team

Unlock Endless Opportunities

This issue of our newsletter shines a spotlight on the myriad opportunities that Open Source Research Collaboration (OSRC) brings to our members. Whether you are an early-stage professional or a seasoned expert in your career, the OSRC can be an invaluable resource.
Whatever your goals—academic advancement, clinical development, or financial gain—the OSRC is a versatile platform that can help you carve out your path to success.

The BJS-OSRC session at ESCRS 2025

The BJS-OSRC session at the Egyptian Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Conference (Cairo, 27–29 Aug 2025) was a success.

Professor Khaled Madbouly, MD, FACS, FASCRS, FRCS, MBA, delivered the BJS Lecture: “Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS): Why It Is More Important in Low- and Middle-Income Settings.”
A lively debate followed, and top abstracts from the UK, China, Türkiye, and Egypt were presented.

Best Abstract Prize:
“Diagnostic Accuracy of Radiomics-Based Models for Detecting Tumor Deposits on MRI in Rectal Cancer” Author: Maab Saleh, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt

Many thanks to the BJS Academy for their valued collaboration in advancing surgical science.

We look forward to the BJS-OSRC session in 2026.

Innovation is rising in the MiddleEast — and it's happening fast

Despite regional challenges, scientific activity is thriving, and a new generation of university-educated youth is ready to lead.

Now is the time to think differently — to build innovations that reflect the needs, values, and culture of the region

The ESCRS Conference (https://escrs.ae) marks a bold step in this direction.

Don’t miss the dedicated session by OpenSourceResearch Collaboration on Artificial Intelligence in Surgery — a space where surgeons, physicians, and medical students will explore how AI can change practice, improve outcomes and solve region-specific challenges.

And where better to host this than the UAE — a global hub for science, technology, and collaboration?

This is more than a conference, thanks to Dr. Sara AlBastaki (member of OSRC executive committee) who made this happen.

It’s the beginning of something big.

Join us

New member joins the OSRC education committee

We are excited to welcome Dr. Valentin Calu to the OSRC Educational Committee!

A highly accomplished surgeon and educator, Dr. Calu brings over two decades of clinical and academic experience to our team. He holds a PhD in General Surgery from Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy (2009) and is currently a Consultant Surgeon at Elias Emergency University Hospital in Bucharest, Romania.

Dr. Calu’s dedication to surgical education and training is exemplary. Since 2013, he has served as Associate Professor and PhD Advisor at Carol Davila University, where he mentors medical students, residents, and doctoral candidates. He is also a National Trainer for laparoscopic colorectal surgery through the LapCo Romania program and has organized numerous hands-on courses in minimally invasive surgery.

His surgical expertise spans laparoscopic and open colorectal surgery, abdominal wall and hepatobiliary surgery, and endocrine procedures—skills he brings into the classroom and operating room alike.

With a passion for advancing surgical education, Dr. Calu is a valuable addition to our committee.

We look forward to his contributions to developing the next generation of surgical innovators.

New member of OSRC research committee

We are pleased to announce that Professor Luigi Marano is joining OpenSourceResearch Collaboration as a member of the research committee,

Professor Luigi Marano is the president Elect of European Federation-International Society for Digestive Surgery (EFISDS), Professor of Surgery, Prorector for the Development of International Cooperation-Academy of Applied Medical and Social Sciences in Poland.

In addition to his scientific activities, he is a staunch supporter of knowledge sharing and international collaboration. With Professor Luigi Marano on board, OSRC’s research and researcher training will get a boost

Read more about our research committee on
OSRC.Network

OSRC Research Committee Welcomes a Dynamic New Member

We are thrilled to announce that Zoe Garoufalia, MD is joining the OSRC Research Committee.

Dr. Garoufalia brings a unique blend of expertise as a clinician, researcher, and innovator, and serves as an international bridge connecting OSRC with networks across Greece, the USA, and Europe.

Beyond the operating room, Dr. Garoufalia is a passionate advocate for the future of surgical practice. Since September 2023, she has served as Chair of the Y-ESCP (Young European Society of Coloproctology), leading initiatives to mentor and support the next generation of colorectal surgeons. She is also actively engaged with the ESCP - European Society of Coloproctology, the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons and several other professional bodies.
An accomplished academic, Dr. Garoufalia holds editorial and reviewer positions with top journals, including Colorectal Disease Journal, International Journal of Colorectal Surgery, and Frontiers in Surgery. She has co-authored over 120 international publications and has delivered more than 100 poster and podium presentations at both national and international conferences.

We are proud to have such an outstanding and globally connected professional join our committee, and we look forward to the impact she will make.

Collaboration with BJS: new opportunities to our members

OSRC members can enjoy a discounted subscription to the British Journal of Surgery (BJS).
Subscribe here.

Additionally, BJS is looking for associate editors to join their two journals, BJS and BJS Open. This is a fantastic opportunity for members with a strong research background. Visit the BJS website for more details.

Published by Oxford University Press, BJS covers high-quality research on surgical techniques, innovations, and patient outcomes.

Download and share the new OSRC brochure

You can download and share OSRC brochure with your colleagues and friends.
This will help us to spread the word about OSRC activities and open new doors for collaboration

Link to download

OSRC News

OSRC activities around the world

Members of the OSRC are presenting OSRC projects at:

VISIGRAPP 2025 February 2025
The Asia Pacific Federation of Coloproctology conference February 2025
ECCO conference February 2025
Turkish Colon and Rectal Surgery Congress May 2025
Romanian Society of Coloproctology conference May 2025
The Egyptian Colorectal Surgeons Associations in Cairo August 2025
ESCP tripartite conference September 2025
UAE colorectal conference November 2025

We are excited about our plans for workshops globally. If you're interested in hosting educational activities in your country, we encourage you to reach out to the OSRC team.

OSRC general assembly

OSRC general assembly was held in March 2025. Members from different OSRC committees discussed progress and ideas for future projects. The focus in this year will be on fellowships, mentorships and innovation workshops.

We are growing

We reached 1158 members today.

Congratulations to all of you.

Two thirds of all members are from developing countries. We are pleased about the increase in membership which reflects enthusiasm about innovation in medical research.

Please encourage your colleagues to join us.

All are invited.

All welcome in OSRC

Support OSRC on social media

Your support to OSRC posts on social media can promote our global reach and improve the opportunities for future collaboration. This will be reflected in fellowships, workshops as well as funding programs.

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