TEDDY General Assembly and Scientific Meeting 2026
We are happy to announce our General Assembly and Scientific Meeting, which will be held from 18 to 20 September in Bari, Italy, at the University of Bari Aldo Moro.
The meeting will bring together researchers, clinicians, healthcare professionals, patient representatives, children and young people, and other stakeholders to exchange knowledge and strengthen collaboration in paediatric and rare disease research.
The programme will focus on innovative approaches to addressing evidence gaps in paediatric development, advancing clinical research in rare diseases, and translating scientific discoveries into meaningful improvements in health outcomes for children. Particular emphasis will be placed on patient engagement and the active involvement of children and young people, recognising their perspectives and contributions as an essential part of shaping research priorities, methodologies and future training.
Through scientific presentations, interactive discussions and dedicated sessions involving children and young people, the meeting will provide a forum for sharing expertise, identifying practical solutions and exploring new opportunities for collaboration across the paediatric research community.
We look forward to welcoming participants to Bari for three days of scientific exchange, collaboration and meaningful engagement.
Explore the meeting dates, programme highlights and registration information in the official event flyer.
Programme Highlights
INNOVATION, EVIDENCE GAPS AND SOLUTIONS FOR CHILDREN
This session will explore innovative approaches to addressing evidence gaps in paediatric development and improving the generation and use of evidence for children. Discussions will span translational science, regulatory pathways, real-world evidence, digital technologies, biomarkers and precision medicine, with a focus on how these approaches can be adapted to the specific needs and challenges of paediatric research. The perspectives and priorities of children and young people will be considered as an important component in identifying evidence needs and developing research solutions that are meaningful and relevant to them.
FROM INNOVATIVE CONCEPTS TO TRIAL READINESS - ADVANCING CLINICAL RESEARCH IN RARE DISEASES
This session will examine strategies for translating promising scientific concepts into trial-ready approaches for rare diseases, addressing the methodological and practical challenges associated with generating robust evidence in small and heterogeneous populations. Topics will include innovative research methodologies, clinical trial design, patient involvement and approaches to improving research feasibility and readiness. The involvement of children and young people will be recognised as an integral part of developing research approaches that reflect their experiences, needs and priorities.
THE ROLE OF PATIENT ENGAGEMENT IN SHAPING PAEDIATRIC RESEARCH
This session will focus on the meaningful involvement of patients, particularly children and young people, across the paediatric research process. It will explore approaches to strengthening patient engagement and advocacy capacity, ensuring that the perspectives, experiences and priorities of young people are considered when defining research questions, designing studies and communicating research outcomes. The session will also highlight the importance of creating appropriate opportunities and environments for children and young people to contribute directly to research discussions and decision-making.
DEDICATED PARALLEL SESSIONS WITH CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
The programme will include dedicated interactive parallel sessions involving children and young people directly. These sessions will provide a space for young participants to share their perspectives, experiences and expectations regarding paediatric research and to contribute to discussions about future research priorities and training. Their active participation will support a dialogue between young people and the wider research community, helping to ensure that children’s and young people’s voices are incorporated into discussions about the future of paediatric research.
BIOTECH WEEK 2026
As part of the TEDDY General Assembly and Scientific Meeting 2026, a focused Biotech Week 2026 programme will take place in Bari.
The initiative will complement the main scientific programme by bringing a dedicated focus to biotechnology, emerging technologies and their potential applications in paediatric and rare disease research. It will provide opportunities for scientific exchange, interdisciplinary discussion and collaboration among researchers and other stakeholders.