The Lancet Regional Health Europe in conversation with

Artificial intelligence in the EU Safe Hearts Plan with Giulio Stefanini and Hannah van Kolfschooten 17.08.2026 23λ

In this episode, Senior Editor Anna Johnson is joined by Giulio Stefanini and Hannah van Kolfschooten to discuss the prominence of AI in the European Commission’s Safe Hearts Plan. They discuss the significant opportunities AI is likely to bring, while highlighting the need for robust legal, institutional, and operational frameworks to improve cardiovascular outcomes rather than simply generating more accurate predictions. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanepe.2026.101784

Automated detection of cardiac arrest with Judith Bonnes and Roos Edgar 10.08.2026 12λ

In this episode of In Conversation With, Larissa Otero, Senior Editor of The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, speaks with Dr Judith Bonnes and Dr Roos Edgar about their study on automated cardiac arrest detection using wrist-worn photoplethysmography devices. The discussion traces the journey from the DETECT-1A and DETECT-1B studies to the latest DETECT-1C validation, describing how a light-based sensor or photoplethysmography on the wrist can reliably detect the loss of pulse and trigger an automated alert — with potential implications for prompt detection of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The conversation also addresses the practical and logistical questions around real-world deployment, the limitations of the technology across diverse populations, and the unique ethical challenges of conducting research in end-of-life settings. The episode closes with what remains unanswered in the DETECT programme and the team's next steps Click here to read the full article: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanepe/article/PIIS2666-7762(26)00203-6/fulltext

Mental health self-stigma with Nicolas Rüsch 03.08.2026 26λ

In this episode, Senior Editor Stephanie Becker speaks with Professor Nicolas Rüsch about mental illness stigma and why self-stigma can have a profound effect on people’s lives. Professor Rüsch explains why deciding whether to disclose a mental illness is often complex, and why the Honest, Open, Proud programme supports people to make informed, individual decisions rather than simply encouraging openness. The conversation also explores how the peer-led programme works, what distinguishes it from other approaches to reducing self-stigma, and the importance of testing interventions under real-world conditions. Professor Rüsch outlines the main findings of their recently published trial and considers the next steps for research and implementation in this field. Click here to read the full article: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanepe/article/PIIS2666-7762(26)00163-8/fulltext

The Lancet Regional Health - Europe editors on the first half of 2026, journal highlights, and what comes next 01.07.2026 28λ

In this July episode, Editor-in-Chief Pooja Jha is joined by Deputy Editor Ivana Nedic and Senior Editor Stephanie Becker to reflect on the first half of 2026 for The Lancet Regional Health – Europe. Together, they discuss key themes from recent conferences across Europe, including personalised endocrinology, liver disease, antimicrobial resistance, stroke care, cardiovascular inequalities, and long-term population health research. They also highlight major journal initiatives from the first half of the year, including newly launched Series, and look ahead to upcoming projects. Tune in for a wide-ranging conversation on the research, policy, and editorial priorities shaping regional health in Europe in 2026. Check the latest issue at thelancet.com–Regional Health Europe

Multidrug resistant tuberculosis treatment outcomes with Christoph Lange and Liga Kuksa 02.06.2026 25λ

In this episode of In Conversation With, Larissa Otero, senior editor of The Lancet Regional Health Europe, speaks with Professor Christoph Lange (Research Center Borstel, Germany; TB Net) and Professor Liga Kuksa (Latvia's national centre for tuberculosis and lung diseases) about their June 2026 study on long-term outcomes after multidrug-resistant tuberculosis treatment in Latvia. They trace Latvia's path from European MDR TB hotspot, with more than 300 cases a year in the late 1990s, to just 22 cases last year, achieved through centralised expertise, sustained political commitment, and strong surveillance. Their retrospective national cohort also reveals a striking gap: under WHO definitions, fewer than 5% of patients were classified as cured, yet 77% achieved relapse-free survival on long-term follow-up, raising urgent questions about how treatment success should be defined. The conversation closes with new antimicrobial stewardship standards for TB and why political instability, including the war in Ukraine, still shapes Europe's epidemic. Click here to read the full article at thelancet.com: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanepe/article/PIIS2666-7762(26)00088-8/fulltext

Chronic Liver Disease with Jeffrey Lazarus and Elisa Pose 26.05.2026 29λ

In this episode, Deputy Editor Ivana Nedic speaks with Prof Jeffrey Lazarus, Chair of a new The Lancet Regional Health – Europe Series on chronic liver disease, and Dr Elisa Pose, one of the Series co-chairs, about why chronic liver disease must be treated as a major public health priority in Europe. The discussion explores the burden of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, steatotic liver disease, alcohol-related liver disease, and viral hepatitis, and considers how earlier detection, integrated models of care, and stronger policy action could help reduce preventable liver disease across the region. Click here to read the full series: www.thelancet.com/series-do/chronic-liver-disease

Jacob Bodilsen on community-acquired bacterial meningitis in Denmark 06.05.2026 17λ

In this episode, Senior Editor Anna Johnson is joined by Jacob Bodilsen to discuss different clinical phenotypes of community-acquired bacterial meningitis and the heterogeneity that exists. They also discuss the implications this has for clinical care. Click here to read the full article: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanepe/article/PIIS2666-7762(26)00040-2/fulltext

Oliver Matias and Rose McCabe on why psychosocial interventions for self-harm may work differently for men and women 02.04.2026 33λ

Content warning: This conversation is about self-harm and suicide and may be distressing for some listeners. If you or someone you know is affected by these issues, please visit https://findahelpline.com/ a global database of support lines associated with the International Association for Suicide Prevention. How effective are psychosocial interventions for self-harm and do they work differently for men and women? In this episode we discuss new evidence on sex differences in outcomes and ...

Emiliano Calvo on cutting-edge systemic cancer therapies 11.03.2026 18λ

In this episode, Deputy Editor Ivana Nedic is joined by Dr Emiliano Calvo to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of systemic cancer therapies. Ahead of the upcoming Series in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, they explore its four key pillars: next-generation antibody-based therapies, antibody-drug conjugates, oncolytic viruses and cancer vaccines, and emerging cell therapies for solid tumours. The conversation examines the scientific advances driving these approaches, the challenges ...

Santiago Madero on psychedelic treatments in Europe 05.02.2026 21λ

Join Senior Editor Stephanie Becker in an insightful conversation with Santiago Madero as they explore the evolving perspectives on psychedelic treatments, the latest developments in regulatory frameworks, and advances in psychedelic research. This episode delves into the complex debates surrounding the therapeutic potential and experiential aspects of psychedelic treatments, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for their safe and effective implementation and regulation. Click ...

The Lancet Regional Health – Europe Editors on five years of progress, priorities for 2026, and highlights from the January issue 13.01.2026 22λ

In this anniversary episode, Editor-in-Chief Pooja Jha is joined by Deputy Editor Ivana Nedic and Senior Editor Stephanie Becker to mark five years of The Lancet Regional Health – Europe. Together, they reflect on key milestones from the journal’s first five years, look ahead to priorities for 2026, including new Series and collaborations, and discuss highlights from the January issue. Tune in for a conversation on how the journal has evolved, what lies ahead for regional health research in ...

Simon Mead on variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease 09.12.2025 28λ

What are the risks of a future surge in variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease cases? Join Senior Editor Stephanie Becker as she sits down with Professor Simon Mead to discuss the history of the bovine spongiform encephalopathy epidemic, what updated estimates for future vCJD cases mean for public health policy, and advances in biomarkers and treatments. Click here to read the full article: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanepe/article/PIIS2666-7762(25)00294-7/fulltext

Alan Fraser and Stefan James on the CORE-MD recommendations for high-risk medical devices 05.11.2025 19λ

Alan Fraser and Stefan James talk to Acting Deputy Editor Heather Brown about the evidence needed for regulatory approval of high-risk medical devices, such as stents, valves, pacemakers, and orthopaedic implants. The CORE-MD project makes recommendations for what evidence should be needed and calls for greater transparency and predictability. Click here to read the full article: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanepe/article/PIIS2666-7762(25)00252-2/fulltext

Graham Thornicroft on transforming mental health in Europe 07.10.2025 25λ

In this episode, Senior Editor Ivana Nedic is joined by Professor Sir Graham Thornicroft to discuss the urgent need to transform mental health in Europe. Building on the newly launched Transforming Mental Health in Europe Series in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, they explore its four key themes: persistent gaps in care, the mental health of healthcare workers, challenges facing children and young people, and the case of Central and Eastern Europe. The conversation highlights...

Raffaele Bugiardini and Karen Padilla Cabrera on inequalities and disparities in cardiovascular health 02.09.2025 10λ

Raffaele Bugiardini and Karen Padilla Cabrera talk to Acting Deputy Editor Heather Brown about a new Series of papers on the inequalities and disparities that continue to undermine equity in cardiovascular health, particularly for women, racial and ethnic minorities, older adults, and individuals with mental health conditions. Read the Series here: https://www.thelancet.com/series-do/inequalities-disparities-cvd?dgcid=buzzsprout_icw_podcast_lanepecardiohealth25_lanepe

Aida Perramon-Malavez and Antoni Soriano-Arandes on the real-world impact of nirsevimab 02.08.2025 16λ

Can nirsevimab transform prevention strategies for respiratory infection in infants? Join Stephanie Becker as she sits down with Aida Perramon-Malavez and Antoni Soriano-Arandes to explore the significant threat that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) poses to young children. Discover insights into the real-world impact of nirsevimab implementation during its first season, explore how prevention strategies vary across Europe, and hear about the urgent need for equitable access to vaccina...

Bo Söderpalm and Andrea de Bejczy on alcohol use disorder 21.07.2025 16λ

Alcohol use disorder is a major public health issue affecting approximately 100 million people worldwide, yet treatment options remain very limited. Bo Söderpalm and Andrea de Bejczy join Rafael Cardoso from The Lancet Regional Health - Europe to discuss their trial, which for the first time combined administration of varenicline and bupropion for alcohol use disorder. Read the full article: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanepe/article/PIIS2666-7762(25)00102-4/fulltext?dgcid=buzzsprout_i...

Annie Herbert and Maria Barnes on the intergenerational effects of parental intimate partner violence 21.07.2025 28λ

What impact does growing up around intimate partner violence and abuse (IPVA) have on young people’s own relationships? Dr Annie Herbert and Dr Maria Barnes join Senior Editor Ivana Nedic from The Lancet Regional Health – Europe to discuss their recent UK-based study on how experiencing violence between parents can shape young people’s own intimate relationships. They explore key findings on victimisation and perpetration in early adulthood, gendered patterns of risk, and what these insights ...

Jeffrey V Lazarus and John Dillon on steatotic liver disease 21.07.2025 30λ

In this episode, Senior Editor Ivana Nedic is joined by Prof Jeffrey V Lazarus and Prof John Dillon, leading experts in liver health, to discuss the urgent need to improve diagnosis and care for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and its progressive form, MASH. Building on insights from the recent Global Steatotic Liver Disease Think-Tank and a new health policy paper in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, the conversation explores the disease's rising bur...

The Lancet Regional Health - Europe Editors on trending topics in Europe, recent conferences, and highlights from the July issue 21.07.2025 32λ

In this debut episode, Editor-in-Chief Pooja Jha introduces the dedicated podcast channel for The Lancet Regional Health – Europe. Meet the full editorial team -Heather Brown (London), Rafael Cardoso (Munich), Ivana Nedic (Barcelona), and Stephanie Becker (London) - as they reflect on major health trends across Europe, share behind-the-scenes insights from recent conferences, and highlight standout papers from our July issue. Tune in for a lively, thoughtful conversation on regional hea...