New European network to support early-career pathologists

Sakura Finetek Europe has announced the launch of the Sakura Pathology Network (SPN), bringing together early-career pathologists from across Europe.

The Sakura Pathology Network officially launched during the European Congress of Pathology (ECP) 2026 in Stockholm and brings together a diverse group of Founding Members representing different countries, institutions and areas of expertise and interest. With ECP 2026 taking place under the theme "Innovation Driving Excellence in Pathology", the launch provides a fitting setting for a network focused on the next generation of the profession.

The experiences and perspectives [of early-career pathologists] help us better understand the evolving needs of pathology laboratories, enabling us to be a better partner to the profession and, ultimately, contribute to better cancer care
Jaap Struut

SPN has been established as a community of practice where members can build relationships, exchange experiences and discuss shared challenges and developments in pathology. Pathologists play a critical role in cancer diagnosis and care, and the Network will provide opportunities for early-career pathologists to learn from one another and contribute their perspectives through webinars, discussions and educational initiatives.

"The future of pathology will be shaped by the people entering the profession today," said Jaap Stuut, President of Sakura Finetek Europe. "Through the Sakura Pathology Network, we hope to create opportunities for early-career pathologists to connect and learn from one another. Equally important, we want to listen. Their experiences and perspectives help us better understand the evolving needs of pathology laboratories, enabling us to be a better partner to the profession and, ultimately, contribute to better cancer care."

"The Sakura Pathology Network provides a valuable opportunity to connect early-career pathologists from different healthcare systems and professional backgrounds," added Alessandro Caputo, Assistant Professor of Pathology at the University of Salerno, Italy. "Learning from peers across Europe can broaden our perspectives and help us better understand the challenges we share as a profession."

The launch of SPN builds on Sakura Finetek Europe's engagement with the pathology community over the past several years. Through initiatives such as the Tissue Diagnostics (TDx) Summits and Advisory Boards, Sakura has brought together pathologists and other stakeholders across Europe to discuss challenges facing pathology and share perspectives on how the profession is evolving. SPN extends this approach by creating a dedicated network for early-career pathologists.

As a company focused on the pre-analytical phase of tissue diagnostics, Sakura Finetek Europe sees SPN as an opportunity to listen to this community and better understand the priorities and challenges early-career pathologists encounter. These perspectives can help inform how Sakura contributes to the pathology community and approaches future innovation around the needs of laboratories and the professionals working within them.

Membership of SPN is by invitation and has been designed to encourage active participation. Over the coming two years, members will contribute to webinars, educational activities, thought leadership initiatives and discussions on topics relevant to pathology across Europe.

Source: Sakura Finetek Europe

10.09.2026