“This tissue is really representing the patient and that's what I find very interesting about biobanking. You don't need to be there to be in research.”

This is the second of a two-part episode exploring the work of the BBMRI Stakeholder Forum Patient Pillar that brings together patient organisations from across Europe to help shape BBMRI’s biobanking related priorities and policies.

You will hear from Jana Pavlič-Zupanc, Head of Public Affairs at BBMRI-ERIC, who introduces the value of the Stakeholder Forum Patient Pillar and what makes it unique amongst research infrastructures.

We are particularly delighted to introduce the new Chair of the Stakeholder Forum and SEAB member, Eric Vermeulen. Eric is an experienced patient advocate where he combines his background as a nurse with neonatal experience and as a sociologist. Eric has long been involved in BBMRI via the Netherlands National Node and Health-RI.

You will hear from Eric how his work highlighted the importance of biobanking and the role he feels the Patient Pillar has in providing strategic direction for BBMRI on some key health topics.

You can find out more about the Stakeholder Forum Patient Pillar here.

07 - What is a Patient Pillar? Eric Vermeulen, New Chair, Explains - Part Two