Breast International Group (BIG)
The Breast International Group (BIG) is an international not-for-profit organisation founded in 1999 by Professors Martine Piccart and the late Aron Goldhirsch. It now represents the largest global network of academic research groups dedicated to finding better treatments and cures for breast cancer.
Its mission is to facilitate and accelerate breast cancer research at an international level. BIG thinks globally and acts locally, helping breast cancer patients from all over the world.
“BIG against breast cancer” was created as part of BIG to raise funds and help finance clinical trials and research programmes initiated by BIG that have no commercial interest but are crucial for patients.
Role
BIG will be active primarily in the work packages on communication and dissemination and will also contribute to the study by managing and supporting the participation of its network of cooperative groups.
BIG will focus on the communication requirements for engaging with both the general population and the scientific community, to inform them of the project and trial, as well as its progress and findings. Furthermore, BIG will provide technical and administrative resources to patient organisations.
Members
Katrien Van Impe
Katrien Van Impe graduated with a Master’s degree in Political and Social Sciences, specialising in Communication Sciences, from Ghent University (2003–2006). She also holds a Bachelor's degree in Social-Cultural Work from Artevelde Hogeschool (2000–2003) and previously studied Eastern Languages at Ghent University (1997–1999). In 1997, she participated in a Summer University training program at Edmonton University. She is trained in the PM² project management methodology and has developed strong didactical skills.
Katrien Van Impe currently serves as Work Package Leader for WP10 and WP11 (Impact Creation: Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation). Her role in this project includes, but is not limited to:
- Coordinating the development of a strategic communication plan to effectively share key project insights and findings with relevant stakeholders, maximizing visibility and highlighting the impact of both the project and the European Commission’s funding.
- Leading WP10/11-meetings to strengthen communication and dissemination efforts within the consortium and to ensure collaboration and cohesive messaging to engage stakeholders and the public effectively.
- Fostering widespread awareness of the project while ensuring proper recognition of the European Commission’s support.
Heidi De Swert, MSC, RN
Heidi De Swert graduated as a Master in Theoretical and Experimental Psychology in 2000 and as a Registered Nurse in 2005. She has a specialization as a Neurology/Neurosurgery Nurse. Heidi has been working in clinical research for more than 10 years, of which 6 at BIG.
Heidi De Swert works as a Quality Manager and Project Manager at Breast International Group in Brussels. Her role in this study includes, but is not limited to:
- Coordinating the communication between the BIG Groups and the Sponsor.
- Providing support as a Project Manager for the above-described work packages.
Sarra El-Abed
Sarra El-Abed graduated as a medical doctor in 2008 and has worked in clinics as a general practitioner. She further specialized and graduated as a medical oncologist in 2013 and has received a degree in onco-genetics from Paris-Descartes in France and a degree in clinical research methodology from the Public Health Institute, Epidemiology and Development (ISPED) at Bordeaux University in France.
Sarra El-Abed works as Senior Medical Advisor at Breast International Group in Brussels: Her role in this study includes but is not limited to:
- Reviewing the protocol and its amendments and/or any scientific/medical-related documents.
- Providing scientific/medical support to the BIG HQ team in the above-described work packages.