Belfast symposium to spotlight how patient donations can help shape the future of healthcare.

All-Island Biobank I.M.P.A.C.T. Symposium brings researchers, clinicians, and patients together at Queen’s University Belfast on 23rd October. 

Belfast will host researchers, healthcare professionals, and patient representatives from across the island ofIreland this month to examine how biobanking can help advance and transform medical discoveries, improve diagnosis and support more innovative, personalised treatment. 

The All-Island Biobank I.M.P.A.C.T. Symposium 2026 will take place in Belfast on Friday, 23th October at Riddel Hall, Queen’s University Belfast, placing the contribution of patients and the practical impact of world class research at the centre of discussions at this one-day conference. 

Biobanks across the world bring together donated biological samples, such as tissue and blood samplesand specialised specimens. These resources help scientists understand disease and investigate new approaches to diagnosis and treatment. 

Patient perspectives will feature prominently throughout the event, with a dedicated session examining public engagement, trust, ethics and the essential role of people who contribute to biobanking. 

Commenting on the forthcoming event SPOKESPERSON X said: “Behind every donated sample is a person making a contribution to world class research that could help others. This symposium is about recognising that contribution and asking how we can make the greatest possible difference with the resources entrusted to us. “ 

SPOKESPERSON X went on to say “By bringing patients, researchers and healthcare professionals together in Belfast, we want to strengthen cooperation across the island and keep the focus firmly on what matters, critical research that advances our understanding of disease and helps improve care. Patient trust, high standards and meaningful involvement must be at the heart of that work.” 

The opening keynote session will feature Dr Rhonda Campbell, Assistant Director of Health and Social Care Research and Development in Northern Ireland, and Dr John O’Neill, Head of Research Policy and Innovation the Department of Health. 

Other speakers include Dr Prabs Arumugam, Clinical Innovation Lead at Amazon Web Services, on integrating biobanking data, and Professor Ben Lacey, UK Biobank Clinical Lead in Epidemiology, on medical discoveries supported by biobanking. 

A session on strengthening biobank capacity will feature Professor Jackie James, Scientific Director of Northern Ireland Biobank; Dr Suzanne Bracken, Trinity/St James’ Biobank; and Professor Louise Burke, Cork University Hospital Biobank. 

Professor Seán Hynes, Biobanc na Gaillimhe, will chair a roundtable with representatives from academic biobanks across the island, examining how to measure their research contribution and wider societal value. 

The event will also recognise emerging research talent through poster prizes and the Dr Stephen McQuaid prize for Best Early Stage Researcher in Biobanking Supported Research. 

The programme’s I.M.P.A.C.T. theme covers six priorities: integration of data; medical discoveries; patient perspectives; assuring quality; capacity building; and tracking impact.