Subject: update of the Collaboration between Stichting BEBO, METC BEBO, UMCG and METc UMCG
Stichting BEBO, UMCG and their Medical Research Ethics Committees (MREC BEBO and MREC UMCG) are working to strengthen their collaboration. With this update, we would like to inform you about the outcome of the recent review and the plans for the next phase.
Outcome of the review
Over the past months, the organisations involved have explored different ways of working together. These ranged from a formal collaboration agreement to a more integrated structure and way of working.
Following this review, the Supervisory Board of Stichting BEBO and the Executive Board of UMCG, in consultation with the Board of Stichting BEBO and the Chairs of both METCs, have agreed, subject to certain conditions, to work towards closer integration of METC BEBO and METc UMCG.
The long-term aim is to create a single Independent Administrative Body (ZBO) that brings together the knowledge, experience and expertise of both METCs and their supporting offices. This would provide a strong and sustainable basis for carrying out their responsibilities and help establish a leading Medical Research Ethics Committee in the Northern Netherlands.
The new organisation would combine a broad national review portfolio, academic expertise, strong links with the regional research infrastructure, extensive experience in industry-sponsored clinical trials, and specialist knowledge of early-phase and first-in-human studies. Throughout the process, maintaining high standards of quality, continuity and careful decision-making will remain the highest priority.
A step-by-step approach
The integration will take place in stages.
As a first step, the organisations are preparing a collaboration agreement to formalise and strengthen their cooperation. At the same time, they will work on the conditions needed for further integration.
If these conditions can be met, the next step will be to move towards a shared governance structure and the establishment of a single ZBO. This governance integration will be an intermediate step before a later phase, in which the operational activities of both offices will also be integrated.
Throughout the process, both organisations will continue their normal activities, and ensuring the continuity of ethical review will remain a key priority.
We look forward to the next steps in the collaboration between METC BEBO and METc UMCG and will keep you informed of any important developments.