From 7 to 10 October 2026, the 21st Annual Sickle Cell & Thalassaemia Conference (ASCAT) takes place in London, at Central Hall Westminster, dedicated this year to the theme “Haemoglobinopathies Without Borders”. Among those taking part is a delegation from HELIOS, the COST Action on haemoglobinopathy research of which Fondazione Gianni Benzi is a partner.

Representing Fondazione Gianni Benzi are Lucia Ruggieri, with the poster “Strengthening Sickle Cell Disease research and digital health application: insight from a staff exchanges programme”, and Fedele Bonifazi, with “Assessment of knowledge and interest in ELSI in research activities – feedback from a survey”. The two posters sit alongside those of other HELIOS network members, covering thalassaemia, diagnostics, FAIR data, patient-centred care and international research collaboration.

Anyone attending ASCAT 2026 can visit the network’s posters during Thursday morning’s session.