Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: Health technology assessment (HTA) bodies across Europe vary considerably in their access to structured, practice-based training in innovative HTA methods and tools. This uneven distribution of methodological expertise risks widening existing capacity gaps between HTA bodies in Europe. The SUSTAIN-HTA Fellowship Programme (SUSTAIN-FP), developed within the Horizon Europe-funded SUSTAIN-HTA initiative. aims to address this gap through cross-border learning.
METHODS: SUSTAIN-FP is a structured fellowship programme in which HTA professionals undertake a 3 to 6 month placements at either HTA bodies or academic institutions across Europe, while remaining employed at their home HTA body. Fellows are selected through a competitive application process requiring institutional endorsement, at least 1.5 years of experience, and a Master's degree or PhD. An independent review committee matches applicants to host institutions based on their methodological learning objectives. Mentors from both host and home institutions support learning, implementation, and knowledge transfer throughout and after the placement.
RESULTS: As of June 2026, two fellowship rounds have been initiated. Round 1 received six applications, from which two fellows were selected and placed at Bocconi University (Italy) and Utrecht University (the Netherlands). Round 2 received five applications and is currently under review. A third call is planned for late 2026. The first fellows have started their placements, and evaluation of their experiences within the programme is ongoing.
CONCLUSIONS: SUSTAIN-FP provides a novel model to support HTA capacity building through structured cross-border learning. Early implementation demonstrates the feasibility of establishing fellowship placements across European institutions and highlights interest in practice-based HTA training opportunities. Ongoing evaluation will assess fellow learning outcomes, knowledge transfer, and potential impact on HTA practice.