ZABALA Innovation is an international consultancy with 600+ employees, specialised in innovation management and European research and innovation funding. With a strong presence across Europe, ZABALA supports organisations working in complex, high-impact research environments, helping them connect scientific excellence with societal, regulatory and policy needs.
Within the DREAMS project, ZABALA plays a key strategic role as leader of Work Package 7 (Dissemination, Communication and Exploitation), coordinating how the project communicates its progress, engages with stakeholders and ensures long-term impact beyond the research itself.
Turning complex research into meaningful communication
DREAMS brings together artificial intelligence, biomedical data and rare disease research — fields that are both highly technical and deeply sensitive. Communicating this type of research requires accuracy, responsibility and a clear ethical framework.
ZABALA leads the design and implementation of the project’s Dissemination and Communication Strategy, ensuring that DREAMS:
- Communicates complex AI-driven research in a clear and accessible way, without simplification or hype
- Respects ethical standards and patient-sensitive communication principles
- Reaches diverse audiences, from scientific and clinical communities to policymakers and patient organisations
- Fully complies with Horizon Europe communication and EU funding visibility requirements
This work spans the coordination of the project website, social media channels, written content, press activities, events and stakeholder engagement, always in close collaboration with the DREAMS consortium.
Experience at the intersection of research, policy and impact
ZABALA brings to DREAMS extensive experience supporting European health and research projects, particularly those involving emerging technologies, data governance and multidisciplinary collaboration. The organisation regularly works with universities, research centres, hospitals, companies and public authorities, helping them maximise the impact of EU-funded research.
This background allows ZABALA to contribute to DREAMS not only as a communication leader, but also as a strategic partner supporting:
- Impact-oriented dissemination and exploitation planning
- Alignment with European research and innovation priorities
- Responsible communication of research involving sensitive health data and rare diseases
A collaborative role within the DREAMS consortium
As WP7 leader, ZABALA acts as a coordination hub for communication-related activities, supporting partners in translating technical advances into accurate, consistent and audience-appropriate messages. This collaborative approach helps ensure that DREAMS speaks with one coherent voice, while fully respecting the scientific expertise of each partner.
By strengthening connections between research, innovation and policy communities, ZABALA contributes to positioning DREAMS within the wider European research ecosystem and to preparing the ground for the future uptake of its results.
