New podcast and video: ELSI Dialogues – Organoids: Scientific, ethical and regulatory aspects

Introduction

Organoids are defined as three-dimensional (3D) cell culture systems that can be called “mini-organs” as they mimic some of the key multicellular, anatomical and even functional characteristics of real organs. Organoids are praised as a substitute for animal models in preclinical studies. At the same time, organoid technology raises issues around informed consent or privacy of donors.

This episode of ELSI Dialogues features multidisciplinary experts discussing ethical, regulatory, and scientific aspects of organoid technology. Following a brief introduction in organoid research, a special focus is placed on biobanking from the patient perspective. The panellists discuss trust, trustworthiness, therapeutic misconception, and the need for regulation. They also challenge definitions and the consequences of terminology such as ‘donation’ and ‘mini-organ’.

This is a collaborative effort between the ELSI Services & Research Department and the Stakeholder Forum Patient Pillar of BBMRI-ERIC.

Access the learning

Originally a live webinar, the podcast and video are presented by Melanie Goisauf with contributions from Zisis Kozlakidis, María Berdasco Menéndez, Signe Mežinska, and Mike Lensink.

Video

Podcast

BBMRI-ERIC Podcast

The potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve cancer diagnostics, treatment plans and patient outcomes is immense, particularly when it comes to medical imaging. But what does it mean for AI to be truly trustworthy in practice? What do experts and patients need to develop trust in such potentially revolutionary new tools and how can we incorporate human needs early-on to ensure AI is trustworthy by design?

In the latest ELSI Dialogues session in October 2025, two invited experts, Macej Bobowicz, MD, PhD (Medical University of Gdansk) and Prof. Karim Lekadir (University of Barcelona), shared their thoughts and expertise on this highly current topic. The session was recorded on 28 October 2025 and moderated by Dr. Melanie Goisauf (BBMRI-ERIC).

Read our website article about the webinar for more details and insights.

About the speakers:

Dr. Maciej Bobowicz (Medical University of Gdańsk)

Dr Maciej Bobowicz is an Assistant Professor at the 2nd Department of Radiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland, and a surgical oncologist specialising in breast cancer diagnostics and treatment. His research focuses on the ethical and clinically responsible use of artificial intelligence in oncology, radiomics, and precision medicine.

He leads or contributes to several EU-funded projects, including EuCanImage, RadioVal, MAYA, Cinderella, TRACE and CAREWAY. He is also part of the AI4HI network, which supports the EUCAIM initiative under Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. Author of over 80 scientific papers, Dr Bobowicz is committed to advancing patient-centred, trustworthy, and equitable AI applications in cancer imaging and care.

Prof. Karim Lekadir (University of Barcelona)

Karim Lekadir is an ICREA Research Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Barcelona. He obtained his PhD from Imperial College London and was a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford University. He investigates new data science techniques for trustworthy and ethical artificial intelligence in medicine. He has been PI in 15 EU-funded projects, coordinated 6 Horizon projects, and was awarded an ERC Consolidator grant to investigate new AI techniques tailored to resource-limited settings.

Moderator: Melanie Goisauf (BBMRI-ERIC)

Dr. Melanie Goisauf is an accomplished social scientist with a PhD in Sociology (University of Vienna). She also studied at the Royal Holloway University of London and completed the postgraduate programme “Sociology of Social Practices” at the Institute for Advanced Studies (IHS) Vienna. As senior scientist at BBMRI-ERIC she is involved in several research projects and serves on ethical advisory boards. Dr. Goisauf also leads the Ethics of AI Lab, which focuses on the ethical and social implications of artificial intelligence, and is in charge of the scientific coordination of the Horizon Europe project PERIFORMANCE.