Sakura Finetek Europe has launched a new European network for early-career pathologists and emerging pathology leaders, with the aim of fostering collaboration between industry and laboratories and supporting the future development of pathology and cancer diagnostics.
The Sakura Pathology Network (SPN) was officially launched on September 14 at the European Congress of Pathology 2026 in Stockholm. The invitation-only initiative brings together a founding group of eleven pathologists from different European countries, institutions, and areas of expertise.
Designed as a two-way exchange, SPN will provide members with opportunities to connect with peers, share perspectives, and translate ideas into practical initiatives. In turn, Sakura hopes to gain greater insight into the evolving challenges, priorities, and needs of pathologists and laboratories across Europe.
The network will explore issues shaping the profession, including digitalization, artificial intelligence, automation, standardization, training, and laboratory transformation. Active participation will be encouraged in thought leadership initiatives, including webinars, educational activities, publications, and expert discussions.
The initiative also aims to help strengthen connections among the next generation of pathology leaders at a time when the profession faces workforce challenges. Pathologist and SPN member Alessandro Caputo says, “At a time when pathology is facing increasing recruitment challenges, professional networks have an important role to play in making our discipline more visible and attractive to the next generation. I hope the SPN will create opportunities for young pathologists to meet, collaborate, and see the many different paths a career in pathology can offer.”
Matthew Clarke, who joins the SPN from the UK, is particularly concerned about the inequalities in access to molecular testing and barriers to the delivery of training. He says, "As a member of the SPN, I am looking forward to working with my colleagues from around the world to discuss these challenges and produce innovative ideas for realistic and attainable solutions that can help the continued sustainability of this vital specialty for our patients and our colleagues."
By connecting emerging leaders across institutions and national borders, SPN aims to create a forum where shared challenges can be discussed and ideas developed into practical activities that contribute to the wider evolution of pathology in Europe.
“I have high hopes for the SPN,” says Iván Rienda, another of the eleven young pathologists invited to join the network. “Essentially, facilitating the connection between pathologists is a fantastic way to contribute to the advancement of pathology itself.”
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