Future of Pharmaceutical Medicine: Medicines R&D Ethics, Regulation and Governance in a Transforming AI Ecosystem for EU

Frontiers in Pharmacology is proud to partner with IFAPP – International Federation of Associations of Pharmaceutical Physicians and Pharmaceutical Medicine on this Research Topic.Focusing on the most pressing dimensions shaping the Future of Pharmaceutical Medicine, this Research Topic explores how ethical and regulatory frameworks evolve under the pressures of AI, decentralised trials, and continuous evidence generation; the balance between enabling innovation and safeguarding patient rights in data‑intensive ecosystems; comparative governance models across EU, UK, US, and emerging regions; and ethical oversight in algorithmic decision‑making and digital therapeutics.It really matters now since the EU AI Act, the European Health Data Space (EHDS) and the Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS) implementation in Europe create a unique window for timely EU data driven and AI related opportunities for high‑impact publications. The key angles mentioned above have changed the clinical research governance, timelines, and transparency. National and cross‑border research networks apply data governance, quality standards, sensitive data protection and capacity‑building models while through integration of decentralised and hybrid trial infrastructures upgrade workforce competencies for running ethical innovative research ecosystems.Against this backdrop, this Research Topic focuses on three interconnected themes that together define the future of pharmaceutical medicine:1. Professionalisation and Education in Pharmaceutical Medicine: This topic becomes more strategic when framed around the future workforce and the competencies required for digital, AI ethical, and globalised pharmaceutical systems.Building on the need for a competent and future-ready workforce, the harmonisation of training and recognition across borders emerges as a critical next step.2. Specialist recognition and harmonisation of training across jurisdictions: Micro‑credentials, simulation‑based learning, and regulatory sandboxes. Ethical literacy and governance competencies for future professionals.These structural and educational gaps ultimately converge on a broader systemic challenge:3. Workforce transformation is a major bottleneck in regulatory science, clinical research, and HTA. Topic editors: Robert L Lins, Varvara Barbara Baroutsou Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79020/future-of-pharmaceutical-medicine-medicines-rd-ethics-regulation-and-governance-in-a-transforming-ai-ecosystem-for-eu