BBMRI.QM Academy: Validation and verification of processing methods and biobanking
2023-06-01 13:00 - 14:30 (Europe/Paris)
A live-learning webinar with the topic ‘Validation and verification of processing methods and biobanking’ presented by key expert Fay Betsou will be held on 1 June,1:00-2:15 pm CEST via Zoom.
We are very pleased to inform you that this workshop is UEMS EACCME® for CME accredited. Participation in this live educational event equates to 1 CME credit.
Register: For this Zoom webinar and make use of the possibility to add the event to your calendar.
The online meeting will follow the agenda below:

1:00-1:10: Welcome and introduction (Andrea Wutte)
1:10-1:50: Validation and verification of processing methods and biobanking (scientific lecture) (Fay Betsou)
1:50-2:10: Discussion, Q&A (all)
2:10-2:15: Word of thanks and end of meeting (Andrea Wutte)

Click to access the:

Programme
Registration
More information

BBMRI.QM Newsroom
2023-06-07 10:00 - 11:00 (Europe/Paris)
The second session in 2023 will be held on 7 June, 10:00-11:00 am CEST via Zoom.
We will welcome two guests:

Judit Balogh (Senior Project Manager at BBMRI-ERIC)
Saba Abdulghani (Head of Biobanking Development at BBMRI-ERIC)

PLEASE REGISTER here for the Zoom meeting and MAKE USE of the possibility to add the event to your calendar.
The online meeting will follow the agenda below:

Welcome and introduction (Maike Tauchert)
canSERV Project: Providing Cutting-Edge Cancer Research Services Across Europe (Judit Balogh, Saba Abdulghani, Maike Tauchert)
Q&A (all)

BioMed-AI Summer School: Biomedicine & Bioethics supporting responsible innovation in the era of Big Data & AI
2023-06-12 - 2023-06-16
Between 12-16 June 2023, the BioMed-AI Summer School: Biomedicine & Bioethics supporting responsible innovation in the era of Big Data & AI takes place under the Auspices of the Academy of Athens.
30 participants will be selected, following the review of applications by a board of experts from BRFAA, CRB and Archimedes Center.
If interested, apply here no later than April 10.
BBMRI-ERIC’s ELSI team is pleased to be part of the excellent programme with a round table: “About trustworthiness, black-boxing and ethical layering in AI-driven biomedical research”. We will be sharing the latest research results on the ethics of AI in relation to polygenic risk-scores or AI in imaging from ongoing projects such as Big Picture, INTERVENE or EUCanImage to young researchers.
Full details of the summer school are available here.

3rd BBMRI.QM Newsroom
2023-09-26 10:00 - 11:00 (Europe/Paris)
The third session in 2023 will be held on 26 September, 10:00-11:00 am CEST via Zoom.
We will welcome two guests:

Claire Connellan (ERINHA, Project Manager ISIDORe)
Lukasz Kozera (Scientific Programme Manager at BBMRI-ERIC)

PLEASE REGISTER HERE for the Zoom meeting and MAKE USE of the possibility to add the event to your calendar.
The online meeting will follow the agenda below:
26 September 2023

Welcome and introduction (BBMRI.QM)
ISIDORe Project (Guests and BBMRI.QM)
Q&A (all)

We look forward to seeing you there.

Europe Biobank Week Roadshow 2023 - IT: Data Integration in Biobanking
2023-09-27 12:00 - 2023-09-28 13:00 (Europe/Paris) | Medical University of Innsbruck, Christoph-Probst-Platz 1, Innsbruck, Tyrol, 6020, Austria
Join the EBW Roadshow Innsbruck meeting led by BBMRI-ERIC and ESBB for an exciting two-day conference, focusing on the following main topics: health & biobank data integration, data management and data transfer between biobanks and European platforms, and data extraction from various health-datasources.
This EBW Roadshow event will also feature industry presentations by leading Biobank-software vendors. Don’t miss out on this invaluable opportunity to enhance your knowledge and network with international experts in the field!
🗓️ Date: September 27 – 28. 2023 (12.00 – 13.00)
📍 Location: Medical University of Innsbruck (Christoph-Probst-Platz 1, Innsbruck, Austria, 6020 )
Workshop Focus:

In-depth discussions on biobanking and IT topics
Effective multi-modal data management techniques between biobanks and connecting to BBMRI-ERIC European research infrastructure
Data extraction methodologies from diverse data sources
Insights from industry-leading Biobank-software vendors
Health data integration strategies and best practices

Who should attend?

Biobank professionals
IT specialists in healthcare and life sciences
Researchers and scientists working with health data
Industry professionals interested in biobanking and IT collaboration

Why attend?

Gain valuable insights into the latest trends in biobanking and IT
Learn practical strategies for integrating health data effectively
Discover innovative approaches to data management
Explore cutting-edge technologies from top Biobank-software vendors
Network and exchange ideas with industry experts and peers
IT: Data Integration in Biobanking

Registration is open now, seats are limited.
Please find our privacy statements here: ESBB , BBMRI-ERIC. For more information on the Eventbrite Privacy Statement click here. You will find the information notice specific to the data processing for the organisation of the EBW Roadshow here.

BBMRI-ERIC ELSI Dialogues Webinar: The Incorporation of Sex and Gender in Medical Research
2023-10-02 14:30 - 16:00 (Europe/Paris)
Integrating sex and gender in medical research is crucial to ensure that medical treatments and therapies are more personalized and effective for everyone. Considering gender factors such as social, cultural, and economic influences can also help to address health disparities and improve health outcomes for all individuals. Join our upcoming ELSI Dialogues webinar on the incorporation of sex and gender in medical research. This event is designed for researchers, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in learning more about the importance of considering sex and gender in medical studies. Our expert speakers, Mónica Cano Abadía and Melanie Goisauf, will provide their perspectives on the most recent research developments and effective approaches for integrating sex and gender considerations into medical research. They will cover topics such as AI applications and a case study on nephrology.
Join us on 2 October from 14:30 – 16:00 CEST. Register online.
Speakers: Melanie Goisauf and Mónica Cano Abadía
This webinar is a collaborative effort between BBMRI-ERIC ELSI and TTV Guide TX.
This event has passed, but the recording can be accessed here.

BioTechX Europe
2023-10-04 - 2023-10-06 | Basel Congress Center, Messeplatz 21, Basel, 4058, Switzerland
BBMRI-ERIC will once again be at the BioTechX Europe Congress. Here’s why we would we delighted for you to join us:
BioTechX Europe is Europe’s largest congress covering diagnostics, precision medicine and digital transformation in pharmaceutical development and healthcare.
Over the years we have fostered strong relationships with local partners such as the Canton of Basel, Novartis, Roche and various incubators to cover the full pipeline of drug development.
In 2023 the 3-day event will return to Basel, the pharma hub of Europe, this time with 2500 leaders in the field, 450 speakers and 100 start-ups all under one roof. The BioTechX Europe Congress features speakers from the top 50 pharmaceutical companies, biotechs, healthcare systems and academic groups creating endless networking opportunities.
When booking, take advantage of the BBMRI discount code: BBMRI50

BBMRI-ERIC ELSI Dialogues Webinar: Organoids: Scientific, ethical and regulatory aspects
2023-10-31 15:00 - 16:00 (Europe/Paris)
Organoids are defined as three-dimensional (3D) cell culture systems that can be called “mini-organs” as they mimic some of the key multicellular, anatomical and even functional characteristics of real organs. Organoids are praised as a substitute for animal models in preclinical studies. At the same time, organoid technology raises issues around informed consent or privacy of donors.
This panel discussion features multidisciplinary experts discussing ethical, regulatory, and scientific aspects of organoid technology. Following a brief introduction in organoid research, a special focus will be placed on biobanking from the patient perspective. The panellists will discuss trust, trustworthiness, therapeutic misconception, and the need for regulation. They will also challenge definitions and the consequences of terminology such as ‘donation’ and ‘mini-organ’.
Join us on 31 October at 15:00 CEST. Register online.
Moderator: Melanie Goisauf
Speakers: Zisis Kozlakidis, María Berdasco Menéndez, Signe Mežinska, and Mike Lensink
Access to Detailed Speaker Profiles

This webinar is a collaborative effort between the ELSI Services & Research Department and the Stakeholder Forum Patient Pillar of BBMRI-ERIC.

Biobanking Development Webinar: Cost recovery model in biobanking
2023-11-02 15:00 - 16:00 (Europe/Paris)
This webinar is dedicated to explaining the cost recovery model that biobanks/biobankers can use to calculate the costs associated with sample and data provision in order to stay sustainable. This model is currently being implemented in two EU projects; namely ISIDORE and CanSERV.
Within public biobanks, there is no universally acknowledged model for charge/fee calculation for sample and/or data provision. The cost of access varies among countries due to labour expenses and is heavily influenced by the nature and complexity of the collection (i.e., population-based collection vs. specialised collection of unique samples). Considering this, a general cost recovery model has been developed for the calculation of cost depending on the complexity of the request. This may entail that some complex requests would require a more precise calculation to determine whether access to clinical samples and associated data could involves additional costs or is less complicated and allows for reduced costs. This cost recovery model is based on the previous guidelines and calculation grid for biobanks published by Clément et al., 2014 (Clément et al., 2014).
Join us on 2 November from 15:00 – 16:00 CET to find out more. Register online.
Moderator: Dr. Saba Abdulghani, Head of Biobanking Development, BBMRI-ERIC
Speaker: Dr. Łukasz Kozera, Scientific Programme Manager, Biobanking Development, BBMRI-ERIC
Access to Detailed Speaker Profiles
Detailed Agenda:
– Welcome & Introduction
– What is a cost-recovery model and how can biobankers use it?
– Examples from on-going EU projects
– Q&A

Biobanking Development Webinar: Genomics and biobanking – a perfect match
2023-11-09 14:30 - 16:00 (Europe/Paris)
Genomics is a rapidly evolving field constantly breaking down the boundaries of cost and time efficiency of analysis. Lately, translational and clinical researchers are also looking beyond the genome – at transcriptional, epigenetic and proteomic signatures to reveal new insights into disease aetiology. By taking advantage of new technological developments in this field, biobanks can maximise the value of their samples by identifying and validating multiomic biomarkers and thus creating new opportunities for collaborations with industry, academia, and other organisations.
This webinar will cover recent advances in genomic technology (including sequencing and data analysis), how European biobanks are using genomics and multiomics to increase value of their samples, and how the research community is using genomic/multiomic data from biobanks. for advancing biomedical research.
Join us on 9 November from 14:30 – 16:00 CET to find out more. Register online.
Moderator: Dr. Saba Abdulghani, Head of Biobanking Development, BBMRI-ERIC
Speakers: Dr. Samuel Kroll (Strategic Business Development Manager at Illumina), Dr. Eva Ortega Paíno (Scientific Director of the CNIO Biobank, NN Director of BBMRI.es), Dr. Vita Rovite (Head of the scientific group, senior researcher at LMBC, NN Director of BBMRI.lv)
Access to Detailed Speaker Profiles
Detailed Agenda:
– Recent advances in genomic technology
– Genomics and multiomics – Biobank perspective
– Multiomics data – Research perspective
– Expert panel discussion, Q&A

BBMRI.QM TRAINING ON ISO/TS 23494-1:2023: BIOTECHNOLOGY – PROVENANCE INFORMATION MODEL FOR BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL AND DATA
2023-11-29 10:00 - 12:00 (Europe/Paris)
The BBMRI.QM team is organising an in-depth training on ISO/TS 23494-1:2023 free of charge for our member and observer countries. The topic will be:
Biotechnology — Provenance information model for biological material and data – Part 1: Design concepts and general requirements.
The training will be held on 29 November, 2023 in a two-hour session from 10:00 – 12:00 CET. Save the date!
Speaker: Rudolf Wittner

Registration to the online training
Registration link
Registration is open until 27 November, EoB.
To attend the webinar, interested participants must possess the necessary ISO/TS 23494-1:2023 for licensing purposes.
The webinar is free of charge only for BBMRI-ERIC Members and Observers. If your organisation is not a Member or Observer, please be aware that there might be a registration fee. Please contact us for more information:

Andrea Wutte / Head of QM andrea.wutte@bbmri-eric.eu
Nadja Palko / QM Representative nadja.palko@bbmri-eric.eu

canSERV Open Call Education Webinar
2023-12-01 14:15 - 15:30 (Europe/Paris)
Friday, 01. December 2023, 14:15 CET

The canSERV team will introduce the project and its

Access to 400+ cancer research tools and services
Open Call for Transnational Service Provision
Application procedure

Moderator – Saba Abdulghani, BBMEI-ERIC Head of Biobanking Development
Expert panel:

Enzo Medico, Leader of canSERV ENPO & EMTBN initiatives
Jens Habermann, Coordinator of canSERV, BBMRI-ERIC Director General
Judit Balogh, canSERV Senior Project Manager
Manuela Pausan, Scientific Stakeholder Specialist

You will also have the opportunity to take part in an expert panel Q&A.
To attend, please register via the canSERV website.

BBMRI.QM Newsroom
2023-12-05 10:00 - 11:00 (Europe/Paris)
The fourth session in 2023 will be held on 5 December, 10:00-11:00 am CET via Zoom.
We will welcome two guests:
– Mats Hansson (Senior Professor of Biomedical Ethics, Uppsala University)
– Miriam Sturkenboom (Head of Dept. of Datascience and Biostatistics, University Medical Center Utrecht )
PLEASE REGISTER here for the Zoom meeting and make use of the possibility to add the event to your calendar.
The online meeting will follow the agenda below:
– Welcome and introduction (BBMRI.QM)
– ConcePTION Project (Guests and BBMRI.QM)
– Q&A (all)
More about our guests:
– Mats Hansson completed his first degree, BSc, in biology in 1976 and he graduated in ethics at the Department of Theology, Uppsala University 1991. He has 150 publications in the field of bioethics and founded the Centre for Research Ethics and Bioethics at Uppsala University which he directed between 2008-2019. He was a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee of The Swedish Council on Technology Assessment in Health Care 2009-2017 and visiting professor at the university of Newcastle and invited fellow at Lichtenberg Kolleg, The Göttingen Institute of Advanced Study-Georg-August-Universität Göttingen. He has been elected fellow of The Hastings Center, New York since 2009. He has received research awards as principal investigator of 18 multi-disciplinary research projects between 1998-2021, and he was coordinator of the IMI-PREFER project and WP-leader in 7 EU-projects. He was Co-Director of BBMRI-ERIC, Common Service ELSI 2015-2019.
– Miriam Sturkenboom has a PhD from the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics in Groningen (cum laude), a pharmacy degree from the same University and a Master in Epidemiology from the Harvard School of Public Health. She is past president of the International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology. She served as expert to the EMA, FDA, WHO and many other organizations. She was professor of Observational Data Anlysis at the department of Medical Informatics at Erasmus MC till 2017, and currently is professor of Real World Evidence at the University Medical Center Utrecht

BY-COVID Webinar: Using Containers as SPEs
2024-02-27 15:00 - 16:45 (Europe/Paris) | Online
BY-COVID will hold a webinar on using containers as Secure Processing Environments to deploy federated research architectures reusing health data on:
📆 27 February 2024 | 15:00-16:45 CET | Online
Register here

1st BBMRI.QM Newsroom of 2024: MIABIS terminology supports interoperability in biobank data sharing activities
2024-03-19 10:00 - 11:00 (Europe/Paris)
The first session in 2024 will be held on 19 March, 10:00-11:00 am CET via Zoom.
We will welcome two guests:

Cäcilia Engels (IT Coordinator, German Biobank Node)
Apostolos Malatras (IT Manager, Biobank.cy)

PLEASE REGISTER here for the Zoom meeting and MAKE USE of the possibility to add the event to your calendar.
The online meeting will follow the agenda below:
19 March 2024

Welcome and introduction (BBMRI.QM)
MIABIS terminology supports interoperability in biobank data sharing activities (Guests and BBMRI.QM)
Q&A (all)

Please spread the invitation about the Newsroom in your RIs, networks and social media channels (please use @BBMRIERIC and #BBMRI_QM), the event is open to anyone interested.

Europe Biobank Week Congress 2024
2024-05-14 - 2024-05-17 | The Hofburg, Vienna, 1010, Austria
BBMRI-ERIC and ESBB are delighted to announce that the Europe Biobank Week Congress is back for 2024.
It will take place from 14-17 May at The Hofburg in Vienna, Austria.
Save the date in your diaries and look out for further details on registration which will be made available shortly on the EBW website.
Interested in sponsoring the Congress? Contact us.

Long Night of Research (Lange Nacht der Forschung) 2024
2024-05-24 17:00 - 23:00 (Europe/Paris)
The Long Night of Research (Lange Nacht der Forschung), the largest research event in Europe, will take place this year on:
Friday, 24 May 2024 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
at research locations all over Styria.
Universities, research institutions, and companies will once again present their work, innovations, and research at many locations throughout Styria and offer exciting guided tours and (hands-on) stations for adults and children. Free entrance at all locations!
Learn more

2nd QM Newsroom in 2024
2024-05-28 10:00 - 11:00 (Europe/Paris) | Online
The second session in 2024 will be held on 28 May, 10:00-11:00 am CEST via Zoom on the topic of:
Interoperability in biobanking: OMOP for standardising medical outcome data
We will welcome two guests:

Petr Holub (Head of IT / CIO, BBMRI-ERIC)
Esmond Urwin (Digital Research Technologist, University of Nottingham)

PLEASE REGISTER here for the Zoom meeting and MAKE USE of the possibility to add the event to your calendar.
Please spread the invitation about the Newsroom in your RIs, networks and social media channels (please use @BBMRIERIC and #BBMRI_QM), the event is open to anyone interested.

BBMRI-ERIC Academy: Symposium - Ethical, legal and societal insights & outlook for biobanks and medical research
2024-06-04 - 2024-06-06 | IARC/WHO, 25 Av. Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France, 25 Av. Tony Garnier, Lyon, 69007, France
Join us in Lyon, France on 4-6 June 2024 for an exciting 2 ½ day symposium which will showcase 10 years of insight and outlook on ethical, legal, and societal implications (ELSI) relevant for biobanks and biomedical research. This meeting will celebrate the faceted plurality of ELSI expertise across countries stemming from both interdisciplinary service provision and research.
Programme
The event starts on 4 June at 14h and ends on 6 June at 16h. It is designed as a roadshow across key achievements and outlook on aspects relevant for biobanking such as artificial intelligence, genetics and genomics, gender, governance, regulatory compliance or datafication, among others in topical sessions.
Confirmed distinguished keynote speakers include:

Klaus Høyer, Professor of Medical Science and Technology Studies at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark and author of the book Exchanging Human Bodily Material- Rethinking Bodies and Markets
Amany Maher, Assistant Consultant of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Faculty of Medicine Ain Shams Research Institute (MASRI) and Executive Director of the MASRI Cancer Biobank, Cairo, Egypt
Andreas Alois Reis, MD, MSc, Co-Lead of the Global Health Ethics Team in the Division of the Chief Scientist at WHO in Geneva, Switzerland
Anne Cambon-Thomsen, Emeritus Research Director at CNRS, France and Co-Director and Coordinator of the BBMRI-ERIC Common Service ELSI

The preliminary full programme is now available. An abstract booklet will be published in due course.
Registration and young researchers
The meeting will be a 2 ½ days in-person event. Registration follows a first-come-first-serve approach. Places are limited to 100 attendees. In addition, five speaker slots and travel scholarships à 700€ for registration fee and travel/accommodation are reserved for young researchers (PhD candidates until 5 years after PhD). The poster sessions are open to everyone.
To register for the event as attendee (or young researcher/poster presenter incl. abstract submission 250 words), use this link.
Registration and abstracts will close once the maximum number of attendees has been reached. For the discount code for BBMRI members please contact Verena Borecky.
Decisions on abstracts and travel scholarship for young researchers will be communicated early May 2024.
Venue
IARC/WHO, 25 Av. Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
Acknowledgements
This symposium is co-organised by BBMRI-ERIC, IARC/WHO, UNIMIB as an activity of the BBMRI Academy.

BioMed.AI Summer School
2024-09-11 - 2024-09-13 | Portuguese National Library, Campo Grande 83, Lisbon, Campo Grande 83, Lisbon, 1749-081, Portugal
The BioMed.AI Summer School takes place from 11-13 September in Lisbon, Portugal. It is organised by the Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens under the auspices of the Academy of Athens and co-organisers Nova School of Law & What Next Law in Lisbon Portugal. The event is endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO)/ International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), European Public Law Organization and BBMRI-ERIC.
Michaela Th. Mayrhofer, Head of ELSI Services and Research, will be speaking at the event as a representative of BBMRI-ERIC.
Registrations close on 5 July 2024.

About the event
The second edition of the BiomedAI Summer School continues a journey at the intersection of biomedical research, healthcare, ethics, and cutting-edge innovation.
The objective is to bridge the realms of Biomedicine, Big Data, and Artificial Intelligence while upholding the principles of ethical conduct and responsible innovation. As we navigate the landscape of AI applications in medicine and healthcare, we recognise the immense potential they hold for revolutionising personalised medicine. However, with great innovation comes great responsibility. It’s crucial that we tread carefully, mindful of the ethical, legal, and social implications inherent in the advancement of AI in these critical fields. Our focus extends beyond mere technological prowess; we aim to foster a culture of ethical consideration and regulatory compliance to safeguard human life and dignity.
The BiomedAI Summer School international initiative, serves as a nexus for interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together scholars and professionals from philosophy, law, biomedical sciences, and technology. Through a blend of lectures and hands-on workshops, participants gain profound insights into the opportunities and challenges posed by AI in healthcare, while exploring the intricacies of Responsible Research Innovation (RRI).
This year, we’re thrilled to announce our collaboration with our esteemed local co-organizing partners: whatnext.law, and Nova School of Law in Lisbon, Portugal.
Our distinguished speakers hail from diverse backgrounds, including the European Parliament, EHDS, European and US Academia, enriching our discourse with invaluable perspectives.
While our support network evolves, we’re honored to welcome the endorsement of the World Health Organization (WHO), International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), European Public Law Organization and of BBMRI-ERIC, underscoring the global significance of our endeavors.
Join us as we embark on this transformative journey, guided by the principles of ethics, innovation, and collaboration. Together, let’s shape the future of healthcare in the age of AI.

Register here before 5 July.

More event details are available on the BioMed.AI Summer School website.

BioTechX Europe 2024
2024-10-09 - 2024-10-10 | Messe Basel, Messeplatz 10, Basel, 4005, Switzerland
BBMRI-ERIC will once again be at the BioTechX Europe Congress. Here’s why we would we delighted for you to join us:
BioTechX Europe is Europe’s largest congress covering diagnostics, precision medicine and digital transformation in pharmaceutical development and healthcare.
Over the years we have fostered strong relationships with local partners such as the Canton of Basel, Novartis, Roche and various incubators to cover the full pipeline of drug development.
In 2024 the 2-day event will return to Basel, the pharma hub of Europe, this time with over 3500 leaders in the field, 400 speakers and 100 start-ups all under one roof. The BioTechX Europe Congress features speakers from the top 50 pharmaceutical companies, biotechs, healthcare systems and academic groups creating endless networking opportunities.
When booking, take advantage of the BBMRI discount code: BBMRI50.
You can book directly on the BioTechX website using this special link.

3rd QM Newsroom in 2024
2024-10-15 10:00 - 11:00 (Europe/Paris) | Online
The third session in 2024 will be held on 15 October, 10:00-11:00 am CEST via Zoom.
As our guest, we are pleased to welcome Petra Tauscher from Biobank Graz.
PLEASE REGISTER here for the Zoom meeting and MAKE USE of the possibility to add the event to your calendar.
The online meeting will follow the agenda below:

Welcome and introduction (BBMRI.QM)
Getting a Biobank “Fit for Blackout” (Guest)
Q&A (all)

Please spread the invitation about the Newsroom in your RIs, networks and social media channels (please use @BBMRIERIC and #BBMRI_QM), the event is open to anyone interested.

BBMRI-ERIC Academy: Webinar – „High quality samples and what about the data?!“
2024-10-30 15:00 - 16:30 (Europe/Vienna) | Online
BBMRI-ERIC Academy: Webinar – „High quality samples and what about the data?!“
This BBMRI-ERIC ACADEMY webinar aims to highlight the importance of “data quality” for the BBMRI community, including data and technology experts, quality managers, and biobank professionals. We will delve into the different aspects of data quality, measurement techniques, and its practical use in centralised databases such as the CRC Cohort, as well as in federated systems like the Federated Platform. The session is designed for biobankers, data scientists and researchers, Quality Managers as well as healthcare professionals.
When: 30 October, 3:00 – 4:30 pm CET
Where: online (Zoom)

Registration
PLEASE REGISTER* to the Zoom meeting https://cesnet.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJArd-uhrT8rHtB7OJ1uz_wDqojXvDSU1L7m and MAKE USE of the possibility to add the event to your calendar.
Please spread the invitation about the BBMRI-ERIC Academy sessions in your RIs, networks and social media channels (please use @BBMRIERIC and #BBMRI_QM), the event is open to anyone interested.

Speakers
The webinar will be hosted by Zohaib Hassan (Charité, Germany) and we will have four distinguished speakers as our guests:
Niina Eklund (BBMRI-ERIC)
Eva García Álvarez (BBMRI-ERIC)
Defne Halici (DKFZ, Germany)
Hang Phan (BC Platforms, UK)

Agenda
3:00 – 3:10: Welcome and introduction (Zohaib Hassan)
3:10 – 4:15: High quality samples and what about the data?! (scientific lecture) (Guests)
4:15 – 4:25: Discussion, Q&A (all)
4:25 – 4:30: Word of thanks and end of meeting (Zohaib Hassan)

For further questions, please feel free to contact the BBMRI.QM team:
https://www.bbmri-eric.eu/qm-experts/

BBMRI.QM Newsroom
2024-12-03 10:00 - 11:00 (Europe/Paris)
BBMRI.QM Newsroom
The 4th and final BBMRI.QM Newsroom session of 2024 will BBMRI’s view on FHIR (Fast Health Interoperability Resources) with guest speakers Radovan Tomášik (BBMRI-ERIC) and Šimon Koňár (Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute). Radovan Tomášik is a Software Engineer at BBMRI-ERIC with over four years of experience working with FHIR and, as an active member of HL7 CZ, contributes to the advancement of healthcare interoperability standards. Šimon Koňár is a software developer with a strong background in the FHIR standard. At the BBMRI.cz national node, he leverages his expertise in FHIR to help Czech biobanks transform their data into the FHIR format and upload it to the BBMRI-ERIC infrastructure.
Register here for the Zoom meeting!

Artificial Intelligence in South-Eastern Asia: the example of the Indonesian National Artificial Intelligence Strategy on Ethics and Policy
2024-12-13 09:00 - 10:00 (Europe/Paris) | Online
Artificial Intelligence in South-Eastern Asia: the example of the Indonesian National Artificial Intelligence Strategy on Ethics and Policy
Are you interested in how artificial intelligence is transforming the health sector across South-Eastern Asia? Wondering how start-up companies in this region are contributing to healthcare innovations?
In this special ELSI dialogue, we will explore the promising landscape of AI applications in health within South-Eastern Asia. Through real-world examples from start-up companies and insights into regional collaborations, we will dive into the dynamic ecosystem where AI is reshaping healthcare delivery.
A central feature of the discussion will be Indonesia’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy. Our expert speaker, Thilma Komaling, will take you through its historical development, guiding political and legal frameworks, and the ethical principles rooted in Pancasila, Indonesia’s foundational philosophy.
We will also examine how Indonesia’s ethical strategy compares with the European Union’s approach to AI ethics. This comparative analysis will provide a broader perspective on global AI governance frameworks, shedding light on unique challenges and shared goals in developing responsible AI for the future.
Join us on 13 December 2024 at 9:00 CET.
Register online.

Moderator: Dr. Ilaria Colussi
Speaker: Thilma Komaling

This webinar is a offered by ELSI Services & Research Department at BBMRI-ERIC.

Access and benefit-sharing of Genetic Resources: the Nagoya Protocol applied to biobanks
2025-02-24 10:00 - 11:00 (Europe/Paris)
Access and benefit-sharing of Genetic Resources: the Nagoya Protocol applied to biobanks
The fair and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources—known as Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS)—is a key principle in global research and innovation. Governed by the Nagoya Protocol, this international framework ensures compliance and fair use of genetic material, with 141 countries on board since its enforcement in 2014.
For researchers, biobanks, and institutions, navigating national ABS regulations can be complex, impacting how biological materials are accessed and exchanged. Clear guidelines are essential to streamline compliance while enabling scientific progress.
Join us for an insightful webinar, where Melania Muñoz (Leibniz Institute DSMZ) will break down the Nagoya Protocol and its impact on biobanks. Josephine Uldry (Swiss Biobanking Platform) will explore the Swiss regulatory landscape, while Dr. Christian de Guttry (Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics) will share real-world insights of the Nagoya protocol application from Swiss and pan-European research projects.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical knowledge, expert perspectives, and actionable strategies to navigate ABS with confidence!
Join us on 24 February 2025 at 10:00 CEST.
Register online: https://cesnet.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3Tkkwf7US0OJlkibAwGEyg
Moderator:
Ilaria Colussi (BBMRI-ERIC)
Speakers:
Melania Muñoz (Leibniz Institute DSMZ)
Josephine Uldry (Swiss Biobanking Platform)
Christian de Guttry (Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics)

This webinar is a offered by the ELSI Services & Research Department at BBMRI-ERIC.

New era for health data: Secondary use of data in the EHDS and DGA and its implementation in Europe and Austria
2025-02-27 14:00 - 19:00 (Europe/Paris) | Campus of the University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 2, Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria
BBMRI.at in collaboration with the projects Smart-FOX and CD-Laboratory for Machine Learning Driven Precision Imaging is honored to invite to an exclusive forum, “A New Era for Health Data: Secondary Use of Data in the EHDS and DGA and Its Implementation in Europe and Austria”.

Secondary use of health data
The processing and sharing of health data is crucial to advance research of various diseases and health conditions as well as an inseparable part of personalized medicine and the concept of digital health. The European Data Strategy is taking shape with the entry into force of new legal acts, such as the Data Act, Data Gouvernance Act and soon also European Health Data Space Regulation. These legal acts bring changes to the national healthcare systems and data sharing infrastructures.
About the event
This event convenes distinguished stakeholders from academia, healthcare, public administration, and industry to address critical developments in the secondary use of health data, as outlined by the European Data Strategy. Particular emphasis will be placed on the implications of forthcoming legislative frameworks, including the European Health Data Space (EHDS), Data Act, and Data Governance Act (DGA), and their integration into national systems.
The forum offers a unique platform to:

Engage in high-level discussions on shaping the future of health data utilization.
Analyse the challenges and opportunities within Austria and across Europe.
Collaborate with policymakers and legal experts to contribute to innovative, data-driven healthcare solutions.

Event Details:
Date: February 27, 2025
Time: 14:00–19:00
Venue: Campus of the University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 2, 1090 Wien
Language: English
PROGRAMME and REGISTRATION HERE

Navigating the Future: Legal and IT Challenges, Risks, and Opportunities of AI in Biobanking
2025-04-11 11:00 - 12:00 (Europe/Paris)
Navigating the Future: Legal and IT Challenges, Risks, and Opportunities of AI in Biobanking –
ELSI Dialogues session
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into biobanking presents transformative opportunities for research, diagnostics, and personalised medicine. However, this technological evolution also introduces complex legal, regulatory, and technical challenges.
Join us for an engaging and interactive webinar featuring a dynamic dialogue between two leading experts: Prof. Nikolaus Forgó (University of Vienna, Austria), Professor for IT- and IP Law, who is also an expert member of the Austrian Data Protection Council and Member of the AI Advisory Board and Prof. Marco Montali (The Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Italy), Professor in Computer Engineering and awarded by the Italian Association of Artificial Intelligence to the best under 35 Italian researchers in artificial intelligence.
This session will address critical regulatory frameworks such as the GDPR and the AI Act, examining how data protection laws influence the deployment of AI technologies in biobanking, what the legal responsibilities arising from AI-driven decisions are and how the AI Act is publicly perceived.
The webinar will also showcase real-world applications of AI in biobank data analysis and management, and discuss methods to mitigate bias in AI algorithms and strategies to ensure transparency and explainability in AI-driven insights.
Furthermore, our speakers will explore the inherent tension between political, legal, and technical considerations when implementing AI at scale, sharing concrete examples and best practices.
This event will foster an open and thought-provoking conversation, encouraging active participation and deeper insights.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an interactive and insightful dialogue!
Join us on 11 April 2025 at 11:00 CEST.
Register here.

Moderator:
Dr. Ilaria Colussi (BBMRI-ERIC)
Speakers:
Prof. Nikolaus Forgó (University of Vienna, Austria)
Prof. Marco Montali (Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Italy)

This webinar is a offered by ELSI Services & Research Department at BBMRI-ERIC.

BBMRI.QM Newsroom: Proficiency Testing in Liquid Biobanking – A versatile tool for the identification of variations in process and sample quality
2025-04-29 10:00 - 11:00 (Europe/Paris)
BBMRI.QM Newsroom: Proficiency Testing in Liquid Biobanking – A versatile tool for the identification of variations in process and sample quality
In the first BBMRI.QM Newsroom of the year, the focus will be on the „Continuous Improvement“ pillar of the BBMRI.QM services, which underpins BBMRI-ERIC’s efforts to enhance quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) measures in biobanks. This pillar aims to ensure that biobanks provide high-quality materials and data for health research.
On 29 April, Sven Heiling from the Integrated Biobank Jena will present on Proficiency Testing in Liquid Biobanking – A versatile tool for the identification of variations in process and sample quality. Proficiency testing is crucial for identifying variations in process and sample quality, especially in the pre-analytical phase. This session will highlight how proficiency testing can help biobanks maintain consistency and reliability, contributing to the continuous improvement of biobanking practices.
Save the date: 29 April and join us to explore this essential topic in biobanking quality management.

Guest Speaker: Sven Heiling (Integrated Biobank Jena)
Host: Stella Antoniou (Quality Manager, BBMRI-ERIC)

When: 29 April, 10-11 CEST via Zoom

Registration: https://cesnet.zoom.us/meeting/register/FvsEHVOvT2eQfoA6W5lINQ

Agenda:
10:00-10:05 Introduction (Stella Antoniou)
10:05-10:45 Presentation (Sven Heiling)
10:45-10:55 Q&A (all)
10:55-11:00 Closing remarks

Europe Biobank Week 2025
2025-05-13 08:00 - 2025-05-16 17:00 (Europe/Paris) | Bologna Congressi, Piazza della Costituzione 4, Bologna, 40128, Italy
SAVE THE DATE: The most important event of the year in the global biobanking community!
Join us at Bologna Congressi, Italy from 13-16 May 2025 at #EBW25 for the biggest biobanking networking opportunity, to meet industry representatives at the exhibition, discuss the newest findings and hot topics with experts from healthcare, academia, and industry, and attend high-quality scientific programmes.
The congress will highlight state-of-the-art biobanking innovations and research. This action-packed congress will feature keynote presentations, panels and workshops organised by ESBB and BBMRI-ERIC.
Details on sponsorship and registration will follow shortly on the EBW website.
