The Northern Ireland Biobank wish to pay tribute to our dear friend and colleague, Dr Stephen McQuaid, who passed away on 1st September 2024 after a short illness. Stephen started his career as a research assistant in Neuropathology in Queen’s University before moving to Belfast Trust to work as a Principal Clinical Scientist. During this time, he was a key part of academic pathology in Northern Ireland and instrumental in the development of The Northern Ireland Molecular Pathology Laboratory. Stephen was internationally known for his research into the neuropathogenesis of the measles virus and was held in high esteem in the international biobanking and biopreservation research community. Until his recent retirement, he held the position of Honorary QUB Senior Lecturer and Deputy Director of the Northern Ireland Biobank. After his retirement Stephen continued to work part time for NIB as a Staff Scientist, assisting with projects, advising on quality matters, and mentoring staff amongst much more.

He will be sorely missed by his friends and colleagues in the Northern Ireland Biobank.