The EURORDIS Open Academy is set to host its 2025 Schools from 2–5 June in Barcelona, bringing together a diverse cohort of patient advocates and young researchers from across Europe.
This year, the Open Academy has attracted strong interest yet again:
- Medicines Research & Development (MRD) School: 105 applications received; 40 participants selected (32 patient advocates, 8 young researchers) from 22 countries.
- Scientific Innovation & Translational Research (SITR) School: 69 applications; 40 selected (35 patient advocates, 5 young researchers) from 20 countries.
- Data, Ethics & AI Training: 92 applications; 31 selected (26 patient advocates, 5 young researchers) from 17 countries.
For 2025, the programme has adopted a streamlined format by combining the MRD and SITR Schools under a blended learning structure. Participants begin with e-learning modules and webinars and then take part in a four-day in-person training in Barcelona.
Tailored learning journeys
Each cohort follows a curated track with sessions designed to build their knowledge and skills:
MRD School highlights
Participants will dive into topics such as shared leadership in patient advocacy, digital health tools, compassionate use, and regulatory engagement. Key speakers include representatives from EURORDIS, Leiden University Medical Center, World Duchenne Organization,the European Medicines Agency, and leading patient organisations.
A major highlight will be a site visit to Sant Joan de Déu Hospital, offering firsthand insights into paediatric research and clinical practice.
Interactive sessions include:
- Role-playing an Ethics Committee review,
- Designing patient-centric clinical development programmes,
SITR School highlights
SITR participants will explore how scientific discoveries translate into patient impact. Sessions range from genomic data ethics to registries, patient-generated data, and translational research processes.
They will visit CNAG (National Centre for Genomic Analysis) to see cutting-edge genomics research in action.
Some of the sessions include:
- Ethics in genome editing,
- The evolution of animal research practices,
- Real-world data in regulation,
- Best practices in patient engagement.
Beyond the classroom
Participants will have plenty of time to network, exchange ideas, and build relationships across disciplines. These connections are not just for the week in Barcelona, as they continue after the training through the Open Academy Alumni network.
In November 2025, alumni will have access to the new ERDERA Mentoring Programme, a capacity-building initiative that matches alumni with mentors for deeper learning and personal development.