4th EUROPEAN HEALTH DATA PROTECTION CONGRESS (EHDPC)
14–16 October 2026 | Paris, France
Protecting Health Data. Enabling Innovation. Building Trust.
The European Health Data Protection Congress (EHDPC) is Europe’s leading independent forum dedicated to the governance, protection and responsible use of health data. Over three days, regulators, healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, research
institutions, technology leaders, Data Protection Officers, Chief Data Officers, legal experts and policy-makers will come together to address one fundamental question:
How can Europe unlock the value of health data while maintaining trust, privacy, security and regulatory compliance?
The 2026 edition will focus on the practical implementation of the European Health Data Space (EHDS), Artificial Intelligence, scientific research, cybersecurity, genomic data, medical devices and emerging technologies. Beyond regulatory developments, the Congress will provide operational guidance for organisations responsible for delivering compliant an innovative health data programmes.
Day 1: WEDNESDAY 14 OCTOBER 2026
The New Regulatory Landscape
14:00 – 14:15: Congress Opening Ceremony
Opening remarks and strategic outlook on the future of health data governance in Europe and globally.
14:15 – 15:30: Opening Plenary
Revolution or Evolution in Health Data Protection?
The health data ecosystem is undergoing unprecedented transformation. New regulations,
technological breakthroughs and increasing societal expectations are reshaping the way
organisations collect, share and protect health information.
This session will examine whether Europe is witnessing a regulatory revolution or a natural
evolution of existing governance models and what this means for healthcare organisations,
researchers and innovators.
15:30 – 16:45: Plenary Session 2
The Biotech Act and Europe’s Innovation Agenda
Europe’s ambition to remain globally competitive in life sciences depends on its ability to
foster innovation while ensuring robust safeguards for patients and citizens.
This session will explore how the Biotech Act may influence research, investment, innovation
and international competitiveness within the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.
16:45 – 17:15: Coffee Break & Networking
17:15 – 18:30: Plenary Session 3
Scientific Research and Data Protection: New Rules for a New Era
Scientific research increasingly depends on access to large-scale datasets. Recent regulatory
guidance seeks to clarify how personal data may be used while maintaining trust and
protecting individual rights.
This session will provide practical insights into the future of research governance and the
implications for academic institutions, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and research
networks.
18:30 – 19:15: Oral Communications
10 Selected presentations highlighting innovative projects, academic research and practical
experiences in health data governance, privacy, AI and digital health.
19:15 – 20:30: Cocktail Reception & Networking
Day 2 – THURSDAY 15 OCTOBER 2026
Innovation, Risk and Operational Challenges
09:00 – 10:00: Morning Plenary
New Technologies Shaping Healthcare and Research
From quantum computing and robotics to advanced analytics and digital therapeutics,
emerging technologies are transforming healthcare delivery and scientific research.
This session will explore the opportunities, risks and governance challenges associated with
the next generation of health technologies.
10:00 – 10:30: Coffee Break
10:30 – 11:30: PARALLEL WORKSHOP SESSION 1
Workshop A
Data De-Identification and Re-Identification Techniques
As data sharing expands across Europe, organisations face increasing challenges in balancing
privacy protection with research and innovation needs.
This workshop will examine practical approaches to pseudonymisation, re-identification risks
and governance frameworks supporting responsible secondary use.
Workshop B
Health Data Governance Roundtable
An interactive discussion bringing together regulators, healthcare organisations and industry
representatives to explore emerging governance models and operational challenges.
11:30 – 12:30
PARALLEL WORKSHOP SESSION 2
Workshop C
Genetic and Genomic Data Governance
Genetic data presents some of the most complex legal, ethical and operational challenges in
healthcare.
This workshop will explore governance frameworks, research opportunities and safeguards
necessary to ensure responsible use of genomic information.
Workshop D
Cybersecurity and Health Data Protection
Cybersecurity incidents increasingly affect healthcare organisations and critical
infrastructures.
Participants will discuss resilience strategies, incident management, NIS2 requirements and
practical approaches to strengthening organisational security.
12:30 – 14:00: Networking Lunch
14:00 – 15:00: PARALLEL WORKSHOP SESSION 3
Workshop E
Data Isolation versus Data Safeguards
Should sensitive health data remain isolated or can robust safeguards provide a secure
pathway to innovation?
This workshop will examine practical solutions that allow organisations to maximise the
value of health data while maintaining compliance and trust.
Workshop F
Health Data Governance in Practice
An operational workshop focusing on accountability structures, governance frameworks and
implementation strategies supporting compliant data sharing initiatives.
15:00 – 15:30: Coffee Break
14:00 – 15:00: PARALLEL WORKSHOP SESSION 4
Workshop G
Emerging Challenges for Data Protection Officers
Artificial Intelligence, EHDS, digital therapeutics and connected health technologies are
creating new responsibilities for privacy professionals.
This session will explore how DPOs can adapt their governance models and compliance
programmes to meet future challenges.
Workshop H
From Lab to Launch: Data Protection and Medical Devices
Data protection requirements apply throughout the lifecycle of medical devices, from design
and clinical testing to commercial deployment.
Participants will examine practical case studies and lessons learned from the medical
technology sector.
16:30 – 18:00: Major Industry Plenary
Striking the Right Balance: Protecting Privacy Without Hindering Innovation
How can organisations comply with GDPR, EHDS, AI Act and MDR requirements while
continuing to innovate and improve patient outcomes?
This high-level discussion will bring together regulators and industry leaders to identify
practical solutions that enable both innovation and trust.
18:00 – 20:00: Cocktail Reception & Networking
20:30 – 22:00: Congress Dinner
Day 3 – FRIDAY 16 OCTOBER 2026
From Regulation to Implementation
09:00 – 10:30: Strategic Plenary
EHDS: Never-Ending Story – Are We Any Closer?
With implementation approaching, organisations across Europe are asking the same question:
are we truly ready for the European Health Data Space?
This session will provide an update on implementation progress, operational readiness and the
challenges facing health data holders, users and healthcare institutions.
10:30 – 11:00: Coffee Break & Networking
11:00 – 12:00: Closing Plenary
Becoming EHDS Ready: The Operational Roadmap
The transition from regulatory understanding to operational implementation requires
significant organisational transformation.
This session will focus on practical readiness measures, governance models, patient rights,
workforce capabilities, budget considerations and project management strategies necessary
for successful EHDS implementation.
Special attention will be given to the role of:
- Data Protection Officers
- Chief Data Officers
- Compliance Officers
- Health Data Managers
- Digital Transformation Leaders
- EHDS Project Managers
12:00 – 12:30: Closing International Keynote
Artificial Intelligence, Global Health Data Governance and the Future of
Healthcare
A forward-looking keynote examining how AI, health data governance and international
cooperation will shape healthcare systems over the next decade.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
- Data Protection Officers (DPOs)
- Chief Data Officers (CDOs)
- Privacy Professionals
- Compliance Officers
- Digital Health Leaders
- Healthcare Providers
- Hospitals and University Hospitals
- Pharmaceutical and Biotech Companies
- Medical Device Manufacturers
- Researchers and Academic Institutions
- Health Data Access Bodies
- Regulators and Supervisory Authorities
- Project Managers responsible for EHDS implementation
- AI Governance and Risk Professionals
2026 KEY THEMES
- European Health Data Space (EHDS)
- Artificial Intelligence and Health Data
- Health Data Governance
- Scientific Research
- Secondary Use of Health Data
- Cybersecurity and Resilience
- Medical Devices
- Genetic and Genomic Data
- Data Protection Compliance
- International Data Transfers
- Emerging Technologies
- Operational Readiness and Capacity Building