An ERIC (European Research Infrastructure Consortium) is a legal entity established by the European Union to support the creation and operation of research infrastructures of European interest. It enables countries and organisations to work together under a common legal framework, fostering scientific excellence, innovation, and long-term collaboration across Europe.
BBMRI-ERIC is governed through a number of decision-making, management and advisory bodies that work together to guide the organisation, oversee its activities and support its long-term strategy.
Our governance structure includes:
- Assembly of Members
- Finance Committee
- Steering Committee
- Management Committee
- Scientific and Ethical Advisory Board (SEAB)
- Stakeholder Forum
They are described below.
BBMRI-ERIC Statutes
The Statutes of BBMRI-ERIC specify the general and financial provisions as well as governance and management. You can download our Statutes here.
Assembly of Members
The Assembly of Members is BBMRI-ERIC’s highest decision-making body. It brings together representatives from all Member and Observer countries, who collectively set the organisation’s strategic direction and make key decisions. These decisions are implemented by the Director General and the Central Executive Management Office and the Management Committee.
Main responsibilities
- Set the strategic direction of BBMRI-ERIC
- Approve major organisational and finance-related decisions
- Oversee the work of the Director General
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee is an advisory body that supports the Assembly of Members and the Director General on financial matters.
Main responsibilities
- Advise on the budget, financial planning and accounts
- Review the financial impact of proposed activities
- Provide guidance on financial management
Steering Committee
The Steering Committee supports the Director General between meetings of the Assembly of Members and monitors the implementation of the organisation’s strategy, work programme and budget.
The Committee is made up of the Chair and Vice Chair of both the Assembly of Members and the Finance Committee.
Management Committee
The Management Committee brings together the national communities from BBMRI-ERIC Members and Observers, which are organised in National Nodes. Each Node is led by a Director who represents their community at these meetings. It is chaired by the Director General.
Main responsibilities
- Support the preparation of the draft annual work programme and budget
- Assist with the implementation of BBMRI-ERIC activities
- Strengthen collaboration between BBMRI-ERIC and its national biobank networks
Scientific and Ethical Advisory Board (SEAB)
The Scientific and Ethical Advisory Board (SEAB) is an independent group of internationally recognised experts in science, ethics and related fields. The SEAB provides independent advice to the Assembly of Members and periodically evaluates BBMRI-ERIC’s scientific and ethical activities. It also advises on the implementation of the organisation’s work programme. The SEAB members are Prof. Dr. Jean-Yves Blay, Prof. Carolyn Compton, Prof. Jane Kaye, Prof. Dr. Aarno Palotie, Prof. Walter Ricciardi, Prof. Dr. Joacim Rocklöv and Dr. Eric Vermeulen.
Stakeholder Forum
The Stakeholder Forum provides a platform for dialogue between BBMRI-ERIC and key stakeholder groups, including patients, citizens, industry and the overarching scientific community. It helps ensure that stakeholder perspectives inform BBMRI-ERIC’s activities and strategic development, particularly on topics such as data protection, informed consent, research priorities and ethical, legal and societal implications.
The Forum is organised into three pillars:
- Scientific Societies
- Patients and Citizens
- Industry
Explore more
The Downloads page has links to the BBMRI-ERIC 10-Year Roadmap and Work Programme. These documents set out the direction of the Research Infrastructure. The Annual Reports share insight into our progress along this journey.