Strengthening biobanks through patient and public involvement – A BBMRI-ERIC Stakeholder Forum webinar

Constant dialogue with patients, caregivers, and the public is a key guiding principle in biobanking and research. Yet, public and patient involvement, often referred to also as research participant involvement, has not become the usual practice in many biobanks.

The first webinar organised by the BBMRI-ERIC Stakeholder Forum, recorded on 4 Feb 2026, focused on the importance and benefits of involving patients and public representatives as co-partners in biobanking and research. They speak with the voices of lived experience and knowledge and can take a crucial role in shaping the biobanking ecosystem.

Four invited speakers, biobankers and patient representatives discussed best practices on engagement and involvement and also addressed currently existing barriers and challenges. Together, they explored practical solutions to strengthen participation and co-creation in biobanking.

Speakers:

Eric Vermeulen, Chair of BBMRI-ERIC Stakeholder Forum Patients’ and Citizens’ Pillar and Patient Participation Advisor at PostCovid NL

Ronny Baber, Head of the Leipzig Medical Biobank

Sara Rebbling, Member of Biobank Sweden’s citizen engagement team and Department manager at Biobanken norr, Region Västerbotten

Host:

Manuela Pausan, Scientific Stakeholder Manager, BBMRI-ERIC

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