Ethics in the Digital Age: Lessons from EUTOPIA HEALTH Workshop on Ethics and Professionalism in Health Data Use

On 20–21 November 2025, the University of Ljubljana hosted the EUTOPIA HEALTH Workshop on Ethical and Professionalism Aspects of Dealing with Health-Related Datasets. The two-day event brought together researchers, educators, and data stewards to explore the ethical challenges and professional responsibilities associated with health data. 

The workshop opened on Thursday with a welcome address by Prof. Dr. Damjana Rozman, followed by a framing lecture from Prof. Dr. Igor Švab, who emphasized why ethics and professionalism remain critical in the era of big health data. His talk highlighted the role of academic institutions in cultivating ethically grounded professionals alongside competent researchers. 

Participants then engaged in a round-table session to share expectations before diving into two thought-provoking mini lectures. Prof. Gerhard Fortwengel discussed the evolving concept of informed consent in digital health, while Prof. Giovanni Spitale examined ethical issues in data management and governance. These sessions sparked lively discussions on topics such as transparency, patient empowerment, and risk mitigation. 

The afternoon was dedicated to collaborative work. Attendees organized into thematic groups to tackle scenarios related to consent comprehension, data trails, and ethical red flags in digital health. The day concluded with reflections and lightning reports, followed by a networking session. 

Friday focused on practical outputs. Groups prepared and delivered final presentations, showcasing solutions and insights developed during the workshop. Activities included designing plain-language consent forms, reverse-engineering unethical study designs to learn best practices, and debating openness in health/AI research. The event wrapped up with a plenary discussion, certificate presentations, and a farewell lunch. 

The workshop successfully combined theory and practice, equipping participants with tools to navigate the complex ethical landscape of health data. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, EUTOPIA HEALTH reaffirmed its commitment to responsible research and professional integrity in healthcare innovation.