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

Cancer survivorship is rapidly emerging as a central dimension of contemporary oncology, reflecting not only advances in early detection and treatment but also the growing recognition of survivors as key stakeholders in research, policy, and care design.

In alignment with the objectives of the EU Mission on Cancer, which aims to improve the lives of more than 3 million people affected by cancer by 2030, this webinar places cancer survivors at the core of a multidisciplinary dialogue on research governance, ethical responsibility, and patient rights.

Held in proximity to Cancer Survivors Day, which is observed internationally and this year will be celebrated on June 7, 2026, the event will explore how survivorship challenges reshape the research agenda across the entire cancer continuum.

Beyond clinical outcomes, cancer survivors face long-term physical, psychological, social, and economic consequences, including barriers to employment, insurance, and full societal participation. These realities raise critical questions about equity, data use, informed consent, and the fair distribution of innovation.

Bringing together some cancer survivors, expert advocates and a bioethicist, the webinar examines how lived experience can and should inform regulatory frameworks, research priorities, and ethical standards. Particular attention will be paid to the role of survivors in co-creating research, the governance of health data within the evolving European regulatory landscape, and the ethical implications of emerging technologies in oncology.

We believe in a more inclusive, participatory, and ethically grounded model of cancer research, which recognizes survivors not merely as subjects of study, but as agents of change within the European cancer ecosystem.

Speakers:

Virginia Sanchini (Assistant Professor of bioethics, Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Italy; Visiting Professor, Center for Biomedical Ethics and Law, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium)

Maria Theodoridou (Secretary of the Board of Directors of ELLOK Hellenic Cancer Federation and President of the Cancer Patient Support Association “Living well with Cancer” in Heraklion, Crete)

Richard Stephens (cancer survivor, co-Chair of the UK’s national research group into Living Well with and beyond Cancer)

Merel Hennink (Secretary of the Board of Cancer Patients Europe, expert advocate)

Moderators: Dr. Melanie Goisauf (BBMRI-ERIC), Dr. Zisis Kozlakidis (IARC/WHO)

This webinar is offered by ELSI Services & Research Department at BBMRI-ERIC.