UMBRELLA is a major European research project aiming to advance stroke diagnosis, treatment and management through the safe use of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital health tools.
A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is blocked or a blood vessel bursts, causing brain cells to die quickly – highlighting the need for fast diagnosis and treatment. Even after treatment and rehabilitation, many stroke survivors face disability, long-term challenges and a higher risk of second stroke.
UMBRELLA aims to improve the experiences of stroke survivors by helping doctors make faster and more personalised care decisions through AI, while keeping patient data safe and private.
How AI is used in UMBRELLA
The project follows a clear step-by-step process to make sure AI is safe, fair and useful in hospitals:
Data search
AI learns from health information like brain scans, test results and medical notes. Experts decide what data is needed to make sure it reflects real patients.
Data collection
The relevant data is collected securely from hospitals and devices. Personal details such as names are removed and replaced with codes to protect privacy.
Data preparation
Information from different hospitals is organised into a common format, translating the data into the same language so it can be analysed together.
Analysis and training
AI systems then look for patterns in the data. For example, it may help spot patients at higher risk of complications. The system learns inside each hospital, and only small updates, not personal data, are shared to improve it.
Evaluation
The AI is carefully tested to make sure it works correctly and truly helps doctors in real clinical settings.
Impact
The goal is better, more personalised stroke care, improved recovery and safer use of health data.
What problems are UMBRELLA solving?
UMBRELLA was created to address some of the biggest challenges in stroke care:
- Delays in treatment → AI may help doctors diagnose and treat strokes faster
- One-size-fits-all care → AI can help tailor treatment to individual circumstances
- Unequal access to care → Digital recovery tools and wearable devices can support patients in remote areas
- Unknown causes of stroke → The project also studies strokes where the cause is not clear, to improve prevention and recurrent strokes
Who is behind UMBRELLA?
UMBRELLA is co-funded by the EU Innovative Health Initiative (IHI) co-led by the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (Spain) and Siemens Healthineers, in collaboration with hospitals in Spain, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands. The consortium also includes many other research groups, non-profit organisations, including the Stroke Alliance for Europe, and companies
Arlene Wilkie, Director General of SAFE
“Stroke survivors live with many long-term challenges. Better tools to support them are urgently needed. UMBRELLA is an exciting step toward more personalised and effective stroke care, with the potential to make a real difference for patients and families across Europe.”
Dr Carlos Molina, Scientific Leader, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute
“By combining medical expertise with artificial intelligence and digital technologies, UMBRELLA aims to improve how we diagnose, treat and support people after a stroke. Our goal is to reduce disability and help patients achieve the best possible recovery.”
To learn more about the project:
Click to visit the Umbrella website
Or contact research@safestroke.eu
This project is supported by the Innovative Health Initiative Joint Undertaking (IHI JU) under grant agreement No 101172825. The JU receives support from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme and COCIR, EFPIA, Europa Bío, MedTech Europe, and Vaccines Europe. Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the aforementioned parties who cannot be held responsible.
