Mind the Gap: From the EHDS Vision to Practical Implementation

On 6 October 2026, the European Health Data Alliance (EHDA) community will meet in Heidelberg for the first EHDA Symposium, exploring the journey from the vision of the European Health Data Space (EHDS) to its practical implementation.

The EHDS represents a shared European vision for the use, exchange and reuse of health data. Yet turning this vision into reality is a complex journey. Data Spaces need to be established, technical and organisational foundations put in place, regulatory requirements translated into practice, and diverse stakeholders brought together.

Under the guiding theme “Mind the Gap”, the symposium will explore the transitions and challenges along this journey. Where do we stand today? What can we learn from existing Data Space pilots and initiatives? Which gaps between vision and implementation are emerging in practice – and what solutions are already taking shape?

The symposium will also look at where the journey began and where it might lead: What developments have shaped the idea of the EHDS? Which experiences and lessons can inform the path ahead? And what are the next steps towards EHDS readiness?

Bringing together perspectives from across different fields, the symposium will provide a space for exchange, practical experiences and open dialogue. EHDA members will have the opportunity to share questions, comments and experiences, explore challenges from different perspectives, and discuss practical pathways towards implementation.

The “gap” between vision and implementation is therefore not only a challenge to be bridged. It is also a shared space for collaboration – a place to make experiences and obstacles visible, learn from existing approaches, and jointly explore what is needed to move forward.

Building on the dialogue and experiences emerging from initiatives such as HIGHmed and other Data Space pilots, the EHDA Symposium will bring together the community to ask not only where we want to go, but also how we can get there.

6 October 2026
Heidelberg, Germany

Registration is open..

We look forward to welcoming the EHDA community to Heidelberg!

 

Register here

Download the Agenda here.