BBMRI-ERIC

2nd BBMRI-ERIC QM Newsroom 2025
2025-12-02 10:00 - 11:30 (Europe/Paris)
From sample to science: ensuring quality in human microbiome research
Register here
2nd December 2025, 10:00-11:30 CET
Summary:
This training provides an overview of the human microbiome and its growing relevance in biomedical and translational research. Participants will learn about its impact on health and disease as well as the scientific and technical challenges currently faced in microbiome research and how standardisation can help here. In addition, the new Self-Assessment Survey based on CEN/TS 17626 “Molecular in vitro diagnostic examinations – Specifications for pre-examination processes for human specimen – Isolated microbiome DNA” will be introduced. Participants will receive guidance in requesting, navigating, completing and submitting the Self-Assessment Survey.
Speakers:
Patrizia Brigidi (University of Bologna)
Alice Bernardi (University of Bologna)
Host: Maike Tauchert (BBMRI-ERIC)
Agenda:

Training: From sample to science: ensuring quality in human microbiome research

Launch of new Self-Assessment Survey (SAS) for the CEN/TS 17626

Q&A

After watching the webinar, participants will have acquired the following knowledge:

Understanding what the human microbiome is and why it is important to study it

Status quo and existing challenges in this specific field of research

Need for standardisation of biobanking activities for biological material for microbiome research

Awareness of CEN/TS 17626 “Molecular in vitro diagnostic examinations – Specifications for pre-examination processes for human specimen – Isolated microbiome DNA”

Requesting, navigating, completing and submitting the new Self-Assessment Survey based on CEN/TS 17626 requirements

Register here

Webinar on Green Biobanking survey
2026-01-28 10:00 - 11:30 | Online
As part of the EvolveBBMRI project, a survey on Green Biobanking Environmental Challenges and Best Practices was conducted to engage National Nodes and their associated biobanks in a comprehensive mapping exercise. The survey aimed to identify and assess key gaps and challenges in the implementation and long-term maintenance of environmentally sustainable biobanking practices.
This important initiative laid the foundation for Strategic Objective 3 (SO3) of our Work Programme 2025–2027, which focuses on Fostering green biobanking and Research Infrastructure operations.
On 28 January, BBMRI-ERIC, together with the National Nodes of Austria (Biobank Graz) and the Netherlands (Amsterdam UMC Biobank), will host a webinar to discuss how further analysis and strategic use of the survey results can enhance our collective understanding of, and progress toward, greener biobanking practices.
When: Wednesday, 28th of January 10:00 – 11:30 CET
Where: online, ZOOM
Link to registration: https://cesnet.zoom.us/j/92954306736?pwd=[REDACTED]
Speakers:

Monika Valjan, BBMRI.at
Jörg Hamann, BBMRI.nl

Host: Saba Abdulghani, BBMRI-ERIC
Agenda:

Welcome and introduction – Saba Abdulghani, BBMRI-ERIC

Evaluation/results – Monika Valjan, BBMRI.at

Evaluation/results – Jörg Hamann, BBMRI.nl

General findings

Discussion

ELSI Dialogues: Cancer survivorship at the core of research
2026-06-03 10:30 - 11:30
Cancer survivorship at the core of research: How lived experiences can inform research and policy decisions in the Era of the EU Cancer Mission
Date/Time:
June 3, 2026. H 10.30/11.30 CEST – ONLINE (ZOOM)
🔗 Register here

Description
Cancer survivorship is rapidly emerging as a central dimension of contemporary oncology, reflecting not only advances in early detection and treatment but also the growing recognition of survivors as key stakeholders in research, policy, and care design.
In alignment with the objectives of the EU Mission on Cancer, which aims to improve the lives of more than 3 million people affected by cancer by 2030, this webinar places cancer survivors at the core of a multidisciplinary dialogue on research governance, ethical responsibility, and patient rights.
Held in proximity to Cancer Survivors Day, which is observed internationally and this year will be celebrated on June 7, 2026, the event will explore how survivorship challenges reshape the research agenda across the entire cancer continuum.
Beyond clinical outcomes, cancer survivors face long-term physical, psychological, social, and economic consequences, including barriers to employment, insurance, and full societal participation. These realities raise critical questions about equity, data use, informed consent, and the fair distribution of innovation.
Bringing together some cancer survivors, expert advocates and a bioethicist, the webinar examines how lived experience can and should inform regulatory frameworks, research priorities, and ethical standards. Particular attention will be paid to the role of survivors in co-creating research, the governance of health data within the evolving European regulatory landscape, and the ethical implications of emerging technologies in oncology.
We believe in a more inclusive, participatory, and ethically grounded model of cancer research, which recognizes survivors not merely as subjects of study, but as agents of change within the European cancer ecosystem.

Speakers:

Virginia Sanchini (Assistant Professor of bioethics, Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Italy; Visiting Professor, Center for Biomedical Ethics and Law, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium)
Maria Theodoridou (Secretary of the Board of Directors of ELLOK Hellenic Cancer Federation and President of the Cancer Patient Support Association “Living well with Cancer” in Heraklion, Crete)
Richard Stephens (cancer survivor, co-Chair of the UK’s national research group into Living Well with and beyond Cancer)
Merel Hennink (Secretary of the Board of Cancer Patients Europe, expert advocate)

Moderators:
Dr. Melanie Goisauf (BBMRI-ERIC), Dr. Zisis Kozlakidis (IARC/WHO)
This webinar is offered by ELSI Services & Research Department at BBMRI-ERIC.

Registration link: https://cesnet.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_IJo7SnfUSsGiF8ccccDg7Q#/registration

1st BMRI-ERIC QM Newsroom 2026
2026-06-09 10:00 - 11:00
Introducing our QUALITY LABELLED biobanks #1
Access • Impact • Discovery
We will welcome Laura Valentina Renna (Quality Manager – BioCor) and Ronny Baber (Biobank Manager – LMB) as our guests.
Agenda:

Laura Valentina Renna, BioCor Biobank, Italy
Ronny Baber, Leipzig Medical Biobank, Germany
Q&A

Register here!
