All our webinars

Organoids: Scientific, ethical and regulatory aspects

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 panelists 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.

Speakers: Melanie Goisauf, Zisis Kozlakidis, María Berdasco Menéndez, Signe Mežinska, and Mike Lensink

Introduction to the Belgian Biobank Legislation

This episode of ELSI Dialogues aims to present the unique legal framework for biobanking that is currently in place in Belgium. The Belgian Biobank law was first adopted in 2008, entered into force in 2018 and underwent an important reform in 2022. Moreover, the law is complemented by an essential piece of self-regulation, namely the Compendium on biobanks issued by the Federal Agency on Medicine Products and Health. The interplay with relevant data protection rules will also be the focus of our discussion.

Speakers: Ilaria Colussi, Janos Meszaros, Teodora Lalova-Spinks, Isabelle Huys

The Incorporation of Sex and Gender in Medical Research

This episode of ELSI Dialogues explores how providing the research community with the resources and information needed to include sex and gender factors into their work will result in more inclusive and impactful results. This topic is viewed from the perspective of researchers and healthcare professionals through subject areas including AI applications and nephrology.

Speakers: Janet Delgado, Melanie Goisauf and Mónica Cano Abadía

Visualizing the Complexity of Sex Determination

Scientific American communicates the latest and most important information about science, health, technology, the environment, and society to the public. Information graphics are often used to help illuminate complex ideas that are hard to explain fully through words alone. A few years ago, Amanda Montañez led the development of a graphic on the spectrum of biological sex. In this talk, she explained the process of how the graphic was developed, what she learned, and how this project fits into her work as a graphics editor at Scientific American.

Speaker: Amanda Montañez

Ethics of AI in Imaging: Ethical and Societal Implications

Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications in medicine are hoped to improve healthcare and to advance health equity. While the technology carries the potential to improve health services, the ethical and societal implications need to be carefully considered to avoid harmful consequences for individuals and groups, especially for the most vulnerable. It is therefore inevitable to identify what types of ethical issues are raised by AI, and to analyse how these issues are tackled in biomedical research. This webinar gives an overview of the results of a comprehensive and systematic review of academic literature as well as workshop outcomes. 

Speakers: Mónica Cano Abadía and Melanie Goisauf

New ethical appraisal process for Horizon Europe. Key changes and expectations

This webinar provides an overview of the Ethics Appraisal process for Horizon Europe, the ethics issues that are evaluated during this procedure, and offer general guidance on how to prepare the Ethics-Self-Assessment that has to be included in each application for funding.

Speaker: Lisa Diependaele (Policy Officer – European Commission)

EU support to gender equality in research and innovation

This talk will provide an overview of the strengthened provisions for gender equality in Horizon Europe, explaining how gender equality plans can become a game changer for structural change at research organizations, and why integrating the gender dimension in research proposals matters.

Speaker: Jeanne Lender

Biobanking with children

Biobanking with children is a practical vector of empowerment and engagement. Without having to expose the minor participants to possible clinical risks, it provides understanding of the biomolecular turn of research and medicine, emphasises the impact of genetic knowledge on the life of each child and on society in general, and expands the collaborative horizon at stake. However, it offers challenges as it poses specific ethical issues in relation to assent, consent and re-consent and therapeutic misconception, while it asks for a rethinking of the processes of data sharing and disclosure of results within a rights horizon, tailored to children.

Speakers: Bridget Ellul and Sara Casati

Futureproofing Biobanks’ Governance

Ethically robust governance is key to ensure public trust in biobanking and fair and efficient exploitation of valuable research resources. Principles of good governance include transparency, accountability and appropriate oversight.

Speaker: Alessandro Blassime (Department of Health Sciences and Technology)

Psychosocial characteristics of potential participants in biobanking

A study on the Polish population.

Speaker: Jakub Pawlikowski

The BBMRI-ERIC ELSI Helpdesk – Personalising ELSI Support

The BBMRI-ERIC ELSI Helpdesk is a personalised support service assisting researchers with any ethical, legal and societal questions they may have in the context of research projects. By sharing expertise, the Helpdesk assists researchers in navigating their way through the ethical and legal landscape, offering guidance on topics that are crucial in biobanking, such as informed consent and data protection, in order to promote compliance with regulatory requirements and best practice principles. This webinar is for you if you are interested in finding out more about the ELSI Helpdesk, how it works and what’s happening behind the scenes and screens, as well as the future trajectory of the service.

Speaker: Jasjote Grewal (BBMRI-ERIC)

Looking back, going forward – Re thinking genomic data at #HeLa100

Henrietta Lacks and the first immortalized human cell line, HeLa, have been influential in shaping both science and technology, from the development of the polio vaccine to discovering mechanisms of cancer. Just as important are their contributions to our understanding of research ethics and patient rights, above all informed consent. This year marks the 100th anniversary of Henrietta Lacks’ birth. Following a presentation on this case of controversy, we would like to open up the discussion to a broad group of participants to think outside the box in imagining the future, by asking the following questions: How to respect the rights of family members in case of de-identified/easily de-identifiable genomic data? What kind of safeguards are/will be necessary for biobanks in a highly datafied world? How could this episode animate better informed consent practices in biobanking?

Status Update Code of Conduct: Teaming up & Talking about it