New podcast episode: Prof. Walter Ricciardi on an urgent case for science

“We as scientists, we as professionals, we as leaders have to first of all realise how the situation is changing, a change of epoch, and how to manage. Because for the first time, the dams that shaped our security are trying to break.”

The latest episode of the BBMRI-ERIC podcast shares the keynote address delivered by Professor Walter Ricciardi at the BBMRI-ERIC 10th anniversary workshop.

The anniversary event was held at the Permanent Representation of Austria to the European Union, Brussels on 29 February 2024 and brought together key members of the biobanking community to explore BBMRI-ERIC’s impact as a research infrastructure over the last ten years and look to the future.

We were delighted, and privileged, that the 10th anniversary keynote was delivered by Prof. Walter Ricciardi who is the EU Cancer Mission Board Chair and Chair of the BBMRI-ERIC Scientific and Ethical Advisory Board.

Walter has been a key advisor for BBMRI-ERIC over a number of years and shares our strong vision on the importance of health and life science research for societal wellbeing. He also understands the vital role that biobanks play in this.

Prof. Ricciardi is full Professor of Hygiene and Director of the School of Hygiene and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (UCSC) (Rome). He is Chair of Mission Board for Cancer (EC), Scientific Committee of Human Technopole Foundation, European Mission Board for vaccination.

In this talk, Professor Ricciardi presents an urgent case for science in an age when we are facing multiple pressures on our health that is intrinsically linked to the health of our planet.

You will hear him link to the EU Mission on Cancer and the vital role that policy makers play in supporting the work of research infrastructures, such as BBMRI-ERIC, to drive forward innovative approaches, standards and research into solving major health challenges.

The full transcript is available here.

BBMRI-ERIC Podcast

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