In this April episode of the Transplant International Podcast, Deputy Editor-in-Chief Nina Pilat, Co-host Antonio Citro, and Editorial Fellow Andrea Zajacova explore three major highlights from the current issue. First, they discuss the new ESOT position paper providing a comprehensive strategic framework for responsible and high-quality AI adoption in transplantation. Next, they delve into a review detailing the logistical and therapeutic paradigm shift towards multi-day solid organ and tissue perfusion. Finally, they review original research uncovering the active proinflammatory role of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) as a damage-associated molecular pattern in liver ischemia-reperfusion injury.

In this March episode of the Transplant International Podcast, Deputy Editor-in-Chief Nina Pilat and Editorial Fellow Emilien Seizilles de Mazancourt explore three major highlights from the current issue. First, they discuss a systematic review demonstrating that a shorter vascular anastomosis time is consistently associated with improved early graft function and long-term graft survival across all donor types. Next, they delve into original research showing how longitudinal monitoring of donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) provides crucial risk stratification for allograft dysfunction, re-biopsy, and graft failure. Finally, they review a regional blueprint outlining the systemic barriers—such as legislation, training, and infrastructure—and the strategic framework needed to expand kidney transplantation capacity and equity in the Western Balkans.

In this February episode of the Transplant International Podcast, Deputy Editor-in-Chief Nina Pilat and Editorial Fellow Antonio Citro explore two major highlights from the current issue. First, they discuss the Editors’ Choice selection of the Top 12 Most Impactful Papers in Clinical Transplantation in 2025, covering breakthroughs from xenotransplantation and immune engineering to organ preservation and oncology. They then turn to a comprehensive narrative review on machine learning in lung transplantation, unpacking how AI-driven approaches are influencing outcome prediction, organ allocation, imaging, and precision medicine. Together, these topics provide a forward-looking perspective on how biological innovation and computational methods are converging to transform the field.

Short descriptive paragraph: In this January issue episode of the Transplant International Podcast, Deputy Editor-in-Chief Nina Pilat and Editorial Fellow Delphine Kervella analyse two landmark studies examining simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) versus kidney-alone transplantation outcomes. Using data from the TriNetX global EHR network and the US SRTR registry, these studies reveal surprising findings about survival neutrality while confirming SPK's metabolic superiority. The discussion covers three accompanying commentaries that debate the implications for clinical practice, patient counselling, and organ allocation policies. This episode provides essential insights into how modern diabetes management and improved kidney transplant outcomes have reshaped the SPK versus kidney-alone debate. 

Join Nina Pilat, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Transplant International, and Editorial Fellow Antonio Citro as they engage in a compelling conversation with Olivier Thaunat. Serving as ESOT President for 2025-2027, Olivier shares his insights on leadership, the evolving landscape of transplantation, and his commitment to fostering resilience and collaboration within the ESOT community. This episode explores what "sustainable" means for the field, identifies key emerging technologies, and offers valuable advice for young investigators, painting a vivid picture of ESOT's future. 

In this ELPAT podcast, host Joe Briley speaks with Dr. Frederike Ambagtsheer, criminologist and legal scholar at Erasmus Medical University. Frederike shares her expertise on the illegal trade in human organs, her role in the EU-funded HOT Project, and the ongoing challenges of organ trafficking. The discussion also addresses broader issues in transplantation - from incentivising donation to tackling staffing shortages and ensuring sustainability in the profession.

 In this episode of the ELPAT podcast, host Joe Briley speaks with Dr. Chloé Ballesté, Medical Director at the DTI Foundation and transplant specialist at the University of Barcelona. With over 20 years of experience, Chloé shares insights on the Spanish deceased donation model, the importance of trust and collaboration, and the ethical challenges ahead - from motivating young professionals to tackling questions of cost, access, and the use of animals in transplantation. 

 In this episode, paediatric nephrologist Jelena Stojanovic shares her journey in transplantation through the lens of ethics, education, and international collaboration. From her work with the European KIdney Transplant Association (EKITA)to the Paediatric Donation and Transplantation Working Group (PEDAT) of ELPAT, Jelena discusses the challenges of developing sustainable transplant programmes in low-resource settings and the need for stronger ties between paediatric and adult transplant teams. A passionate call for personalised education and greater recognition of complex paediatric cases. 

In this powerful new episode of the ELPAT podcast, Christina Papachristou, clinical psychologist and current ELPAT Chair, joins Joe Brierley to explore the unique ethical, psychological, and cultural dimensions of transplantation.

Whether you're a clinician, ethicist, psychologist, or transplant policymaker, this episode offers a deeply human reflection on the future of transplant ethics in younger populations.

In this episode, Joe Brierley welcomes Inês Mega, a dedicated psychologist with deep expertise in transplant-related mental health, particularly among young patients navigating complex transitions. Inês brings insight, empathy, and a compelling perspective on the emotional recovery and psychological resilience required in the transplant journey.

This is an ELPAT Podcast.

The 6th ELPAT Congress is taking place from 9 to 11 October in Seville.
More info: https://go.esot.org/6thELPATcongress