16 February 2026 marked a significant milestone in the history of European Clinical Research Infrastructure Network (ECRIN) – European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC): For the first time in over a decade, the Assembly of Members (AoM) convened under new leadership. The meeting formally transitioned the chairship away from Rafael De Andrés Medina, who has guided the governing body for twelve years, and welcomed two new figures to steer ECRIN’s future direction.

Oonagh Ward, representing the Health Research Board (HRB) of Ireland, steps into the role of AoM Chair, having previously served as Vice-Chair. Alongside her, Deborah Studer, from the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), takes up the position of AoM Vice-Chair. Switzerland’s SERI plays an active role in shaping the network’s governance, and the SCTO, as the Swiss ECRIN-ERIC node, is proud to see Swiss representation at this level. On her appointment, Deborah Studer shared:

“It is a great honour to serve as Vice-Chair of the AoM in the coming years alongside a highly knowledgeable and constructive Chair. I look forward to working closely together to help shape ECRIN’s future and to further advance our shared mission.”

A strong advocate for ECRIN even before it obtained its ERIC status in 2013, Rafael De Andrés Medina chaired the AoM for twelve years, contributing to the development of the ECRIN Statutes, the organisation’s strategic growth, and its financial oversight. His dedication leaves a lasting mark on the clinical research landscape.

With Oonagh Ward and Deborah Studer now leading the AoM, ECRIN enters a new chapter, one shaped by the strong foundations laid over the past decade and driven by a shared commitment to advancing clinical research across Europe and beyond. The SCTO congratulates both on their new roles and looks forward to continued close collaboration in support of ECRIN’s mission.

For more information about ECRIN-ERIC and its governance, visit ecrin.org.