Insights and Outlook from the First Ethical, Legal, and Social Implication Symposium of the BBMRI-ERIC Academy at International Agency for Research on Cancer/World Health Organization.

The first Biobanking and BioMolecular resources Research Infrastructure-Academy Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI)'s Symposium, held in June 2024 at IARC/WHO in Lyon, explored ethical, legal, and societal dimensions of biobanking and biomedical research through interdisciplinary perspectives. Over eight thematic sessions, the event addressed diverse topics including data privacy, artificial intelligence ethics, regulatory compliance, genomics, and public participation, showcasing contributions from global experts and young researchers. The symposium emphasized the importance of balancing research innovation with societal and ethical considerations, offering insights into trust-building, gender-sensitive approaches, and cross-border collaboration. Marking a milestone for ELSI-focused discourse, the symposium laid the groundwork for ongoing engagement, with the next meeting planned for 2025 in Bilbao.