#EBW25 Live: Prof. Walter Ricciardi, delivers keynote lecture I – ‘The need for courageous leadership in science and health in challenging times’
The first session of the EBW scientific programme was the keynote delivered by Prof. Walter Ricciardi, Director of the School of Hygiene and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (UCSC), Rome, and Cancer Mission Board Chair (EC). The subject of the keynote was ‘The need for courageous leadership in science and health in challenging times’.
Prof. Ricciardi emphasised the necessity to not only respond to crises but also proactively shape systems and policies that promote equity, transparency, and innovation. He called for a new generation of leaders — those ready to challenge the status quo, champion evidence-based solutions, and inspire collective action for a healthier, more resilient future for us and the following generations.
In the leadup to his talk, he shared the need to defend science and scientific integrity in a time of major global change and instability, Prof Walter Ricciardi shared:
“We are changing an epoch, and the world is in turmoil. We need courageous leaders because science is under siege by political forces around the world. Certainly, we see this evidently in America, but even Europe is not safe. So, we must work all together to resist this attempt to control science — to kill science, actually — and to work together for the advancement of science.”
Prof. Ricciardi also emphasised the critical need for scientists and leaders in the scientific community to unite and take a proactive role in defending not only the advancement of science but also democratic values and academic freedom:
“It’s important that we have a common agenda in which, of course, scientists and leaders coming from the scientific world work together — of course, producing scientific evidence. But that alone is not enough. In this time of tremendous challenges, we must inform and motivate. We must explain, even to the general population, what we are talking about. We must defend academic freedom, and we must get out of our labs in order not only to publish scientific papers, but to defend democracy and freedom.”
You can listen to his interview and delegate reactions to the keynote in this evening’s #EBW25 Congress Radio Podcast.
Keynote abstract
In an era marked by unprecedented global challenges, including pandemics, climate change, social inequities, technological and geopolitical disruptions, the need for courageous leadership in science and health has never been more critical.
This presentation explores the essential qualities of courageous leadership, including integrity, vision, resilience, and the ability to make difficult decisions under pressure. It highlights how leaders in science and health must not only respond to crises but proactively shape systems and policies that promote equity, transparency, and innovation.
Drawing on case studies from recent health emergencies and scientific breakthroughs, this discussion emphasises the importance of collaboration, ethical accountability, and adaptability. Ultimately, it calls for a new generation of leaders who are willing to challenge the status quo, advocate for evidence-based solutions, and inspire collective action toward a healthier and more resilient future.
Prof. Walter Ricciardi
Prof. Walter Ricciardi is a full Professor of Hygiene and Director of the School of Hygiene and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (UCSC) (Rome) and Chair of the Scientific Committee of Human Technopole Foundation. He is a member of the International Honorary Advisory Faculty of the National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC), Ireland and a member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Pan-European Commission on Health and Sustainable Development: Rethinking policy priorities in the light of pandemics – WHO – Regional Office for Europe.
Additionally, he is a member of the Scientific Board, Santé Publique France, ordinary member of the Pontifical Academy for Life, Vatican, and a member of the advisory group of the World Health Organization for the reform of the healthcare system of the Federal Republic of Germany.