On 21 and 22 April 2026, the management and staff of the NAKO study centres, along with colleagues from the central office, staff from the participant management team and other guests from the NAKO facilities, gathered in Potsdam at the German Institute of Human Nutrition (DIfE).
Around 70 participants spent the two days engaging in professional exchanges, attending presentations and taking part in discussions. The focus was, among other things, on the latest progress and key challenges of the 10-year follow-up.
A strong response: a shared success
The programme of presentations included updates on scientific project management as well as news from the tumour tissue and biosample banks, the PIA app, finances and quality assurance. Particular mention was made of the high number of participants (response rate) in the 10-year follow-up – a major success that is largely down to the study centres. Above all, however, heartfelt thanks went to the participants who remained loyal to NAKO and thus made a decisive contribution to the success of the study.
In addition to activities relating to the ongoing studies, a key focus of the NAKO structures was on further optimising and validating the quality of the data collected. Endpoint validation plays a crucial role in this process. This involves using medical sources – such as medical diagnoses or registry data – to confirm a condition reported by the participant themselves. The dispatch and coordination of interim surveys were also a key issue. Refining these two areas was identified as a key challenge for the coming months.
In addition to the programme’s formal agenda, the meeting also provided an opportunity for personal conversations and networking – whether over a meal together or during a walk in Sanssouci Park.Copyright: Gunthard Stübs
Election of the spokespersons
On the second day of the event, the spokespersons for the study centres were re-elected. Dr Sylvia Gastell, Head of the NAKO Study Centre Berlin-South/Brandenburg, was re-elected to her post. New to this role is Nina Ebert, Head of the Düsseldorf Study Centre, who will be joining the team of spokespersons for the next two years. Our heartfelt thanks go to PD Dr Lilian Krist, Head of the Berlin-Mitte Study Centre, who has stepped down from her role as spokesperson after two years of dedicated service due to other professional commitments.
The study centre coordinators play a key role within NAKO: they coordinate cross-centre issues relating to all processes and make a significant contribution to ensuring that high-quality data and biological samples are collected. Over the next two years, there will also be a greater focus on strategic issues concerning the long-term development of NAKO.
Dr. Sylvia Gastell, Leiterin des NAKO-Studienzentrums Berlin-Süd/Brandenburg
“What matters most to me in our collaboration is that we share the experiences gained at the study centres even more closely and learn from one another. The tasks ahead offer many opportunities to do just that. I look forward to working with colleagues across the country to develop sustainable solutions that will best support the potential of our study.”
Nina Ebert, Leiterin des NAKO-Studienzentrums Düsseldorf
“I want to highlight the perspectives of the study centres and further strengthen communication between all those involved. I am guided by our shared responsibility for the NAKO and, in particular, for our participants – this is our driving force. I look forward to playing an active role in shaping the agenda and further developing processes.”
In the area of participant management, the spokespersons Christine Töpfer (Regensburg Study Centre) and Julia Glöde (Berlin-Nord Study Centre) were re-elected to their posts. The two spokespersons play a vital role as a link to departments such as the Trust Office, Central Data Management and the NAKO Secretariat. They make a crucial contribution to ensuring smooth operations and the swift resolution of issues.