ENLIGHT, the European Network for Light Ion Hadron Therapy, plays a pivotal role in harmonizing and advancing hadron therapy across Europe. Its mission is to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among leading institutions, with the overarching goal of optimizing patient care through cutting-edge treatments. ENLIGHT's objectives encompass promoting interdisciplinary research, establishing standardized treatment protocols, and nurturing educational initiatives. The network acts as a catalyst for innovation, bringing together experts from various fields to enhance the precision and efficacy of hadron therapy. By facilitating cooperation and resource-sharing among its members, ENLIGHT embodies a commitment to ensuring equitable access to state-of-the-art cancer treatment options for all patients.

ENLIGHT's core strength lies in its unwavering commitment to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration within the field of hadron therapy. By seamlessly bridging the expertise of professionals from diverse fields, ENLIGHT has pioneered a holistic approach to advancing cancer treatment. The network serves as a dynamic platform where physicists, medical experts, radiobiologists, and engineers converge to synergize their knowledge and talents. This interdisciplinary synergy is at the heart of ENLIGHT's success, driving innovations that transcend traditional boundaries and propel the field forward. The network's emphasis on knowledge exchange and sharing of ideas has resulted in ground-breaking developments, ultimately benefiting patients by enhancing the precision, safety, and accessibility of hadron therapy across Europe.

ENLIGHT has made significant contributions to research in the field of hadron therapy, driving innovations that have a profound impact on cancer treatment. The network actively supports and initiates a multitude of research projects, with a focus on advancing the understanding of radiation biology, treatment planning, and patient-specific dosimetry. Notable projects include investigations into the radiobiological effects of different ion beams, the development of novel treatment protocols, and the exploration of advanced imaging techniques for treatment monitoring. ENLIGHT's commitment to research excellence extends to collaborative studies that explore the clinical efficacy of hadron therapy for various cancer types. These efforts collectively position ENLIGHT as a catalyst for groundbreaking discoveries that continue to shape the future of cancer treatment across Europe [12,13,14,15,16].

ENLIGHT's commitment to education in hadron therapy features a comprehensive spectrum of initiatives designed to empower the next generation of experts. Through the PARTNER and ENTERVISION programs, ENLIGHT has cultivated a vibrant research exchange, encouraging mobility and collaborative learning. The cornerstone of their educational structure includes annual European meetings and specialized training days, which are complemented by competitive poster sessions that spotlight emerging scientific talent. These gatherings not only serve as knowledge hubs but also as arenas for recognizing and nurturing future leaders. Towards the culmination of these efforts, ENLIGHT Highlights (Fig. 4) and HITRIplus Monthly seminars stand out as platforms for extensive global information sharing, reflecting ENLIGHT’s dedication to a universally informed and interconnected scientific community.

ENLIGHT Highlights covers from 2012 to now - https://enlight.web.cern.ch/highlights