36 - Strengthening Biobanks through Patient & Public involvement – A BBMRI-ERIC Stakeholder Forum webinar

Engagement and involvement are not possible if you don't have trust. (Sara Rebbling)

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 yet become the usual practice in many biobanks.

This episode lets you revisit the first webinar organised by the BBMRI-ERIC Stakeholder Forum recorded on 4 February 2026. Focus is on the importance and benefits of involving patients and public representatives as co-partners in biobanking and research - the core mission of the Stakeholder Forum. 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. Sara Rebbling (Biobank Sweden) and Ronny Baber shared their experiences from the biobanking side whereas Eric Vermeulen (Chair of the BBMRI-ERIC Stakeholder Forum Patients’ and Citizens’ Pillar) and Albert Counet (President of Ligue Huntington Francophone Belge) addressed the topic from the patient persepective. Together, they explored practical solutions to strengthen participation and co-creation in biobanking.

Enjoy the recording of the webinar also here on Youtube and stay tuned for future webinars by the BBMRI-ERIC Stakeholder Forum. You can always find upcoming events and webinar here on our homepage.

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
• Albert Counet, President of Ligue Huntington Francophone Belge and member of the BBMRI-ERIC Stakeholder Forum Patients’ and Citizens’ Pillar

Host: Manuela Pausan, BBMRI-ERIC