Biobanking: Safeguarding Biological Samples for a Healthier Future
Researchers are advocating for smarter and more sustainable ways to protect biological samples and data donated by millions of citizens. The goal is to enhance international readiness for potential future health threats, such as pandemics.
Martin Jenkins, a 56-year-old resident of Somerset, U.K., is an active participant in a national biobank program. He regularly undergoes various medical tests, not for personal health benefits, but to contribute to humanity’s well-being. Biobanking, a practice dating back to the 19th century, accelerates medical research by providing researchers with a wealth of health data and samples.
In Europe, national biobanks emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The BioMolecular Resources Research Infrastructure—European Research Infrastructure Consortium (BBMRI-ERIC) was established in 2013 to unify these biobanks under a collaborative network. This consortium, led by Professor Jens Habermann, serves as Europe’s primary biobanking entity, facilitating research on cancer, infectious diseases, and neurological disorders.
BBMRI-ERIC promotes sustainable biobanking practices to reduce energy consumption and enhance environmental friendliness. Initiatives like using liquid nitrogen containers instead of energy-intensive refrigerators are being explored to improve operational efficiency.
The consortium comprises 24 national biobank networks across Europe, collaborating with over 570 biobanks to collect and store samples and health data. Through an online access system, researchers can access these resources for health-related studies in the public interest. BBMRI-ERIC also provides guidance on maintaining sample quality and ethical considerations, ensuring a standardized approach across the network.
In 2024, the consortium launched the EvolveBBMRI project to develop a 10-year strategy focusing on data collection, storage, and collaboration with industry. The project aims to enhance data safety, streamline operations, and promote greener biobanking practices.
Pandemic preparedness is a key objective for BBMRI-ERIC, emphasizing global resilience against future health crises. By studying biobank materials, researchers aim to understand disease transmission between animals and humans, a process known as zoonosis. The One Health approach, championed by the EU, underscores the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health to prevent pandemics.
In conclusion, biobanking plays a crucial role in advancing medical research and improving public health. Collaborative efforts like BBMRI-ERIC are essential for harnessing the potential of biological samples and data to build a healthier future for all.
