New chair TCBio: Jeffrey Beekman

From January 1st, 2026, Prof. Dr.  Jeffrey Beekman will succeed Prof. Dr. Hans van Delden as chair of the Biobank Research Ethics Committee (TCBio).

In the past more than 12 years, Hans van Delden has made a large contribution to the development of the review of the setup of and the subsequent release from sub-biobanks. By responding to new developments in the field, e.g. for the making and the use of organoids, he has strived to balance the interests of the donors with the progress of science. Hans says: We should always be able to keep looking our patients straight in the eye.

Jeffrey is full professor Cellular Disease Models. Since January 2025 he is chair of the UMC Utrecht strategic programme Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells. In addition, he is now the trailblazer for the upcoming  UMC Utrecht theme Regenerative Medicine. Through his work with patient derived organoids, Jeffrey has gained a lot of experience with the development of biobanks and the use thereof in research. Jeffrey says: Careful use of patient materials and associated data is a prerequisite for research and the TCBio is a unique body that contributes to this purpose. Jeffrey is looking forward to collaborate with the TCBio colleagues. Amongst other things, he aims to further optimize procedures for researchers and committee members such that responsible use of patient materials is optimally facilitated.