Call for applications: Workshop series on biobanking

BBMRI-ERIC, in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), provides an in-depth introduction to the core dimensions of contemporary biobanking. The series offers a comprehensive overview of sustainable and inclusive biobanking practices, federated IT infrastructures and AI-enabled tools, quality management systems, trustworthy AI in Biobanking and patient and public involvement (PPI), while also offering a practical exploration of the role of biobanking in cancer research.

About the initiative

Through a combination of conceptual input, practical examples and interactive discussion, the workshops equip participants with both foundational knowledge and practical tools to support responsible, high-quality and trustworthy biobanking in diverse contexts.

This workshop series is designed for early to mid-career researchers in the biomedical and medical sciences whose work involves, or will involve, the use of human biological samples and associated data for research purposes. It is particularly relevant for researchers who are currently working with, or planning to engage with, biobanks and biobanking infrastructures.

Training organisation

• Format: Online workshops with final assessment at the end of each session
• Duration of each session: 1 hour
• Number of participants: 20-30 participants
• Training timeline: 6 days, 1 session per week. From May until the end of June 2026. Each session will take place from 14:00 CET.

Session 1

Introduction to biobanking: Fundamentals and sustainable practices

Dr. Saba Abdulghani, Head of Biobanking Development, BBMRI-ERIC

This session introduces the basic concepts of biobanking, including what biobanks are, what they do, and why they are important for research in health and life sciences. In addition, participants will explore how sustainable practices-cost-conscious sample management, energy- and resource-efficient workflows, long-term viability of specimens and digital tools that reduce waste enable high-quality research in low and middle-income country (LMIC) contexts.

Session 2

Federated search tools and Al in biobanking

Dr. Petr Holub, Head of IT, BBMRI-ERIC (TBC) or Dr. Andreas Türk, Data Strategist, BBMRI-ERIC (TBC)

This session introduces participants to federated search technologies that allow researchers to find and access biological samples stored across multiple biobanks – without moving or centralising sensitive data. Participants will learn how modern tools can connect biobank networks while respecting national data privacy laws and maintaining local control. The module also explores how Artificial Intelligence can support smarter sample discovery, data harmonisation and research matching.

Session 3

Quality management in biobanking

Andrea Wutte, MSc, Head of Quality Management, BBMRI-ERIC

This session introduces the core principles and practical application of quality management systems (QMS) in biobanking. Learners will gain an overview of key standards and best practices to ensure the integrity, traceability and reliability of biological samples and associated data in biomedical research, while being guided to essential frameworks and resources for further implementation in own settings.

Session 4

Strengthening biobanks through patient and public involvement (PPI): Practical approaches

Dr. Manuela Pausan, Scientific Stakeholder Manager, BBMRI-ERIC

This session will introduce the basics of Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in biobanking and why it is essential for building trust, transparency and community partnerships. It will focus on practical, low-cost strategies to strengthen PPI in low- and middle-income countries. Participants will learn why PPI matters, how to implement meaningful engagement and involvement activities with minimal resources in biobanks.

Session 5

Trustworthy Al in biobanking: Ethical foundations for responsible innovation

Dr. Anto Čartolovni, Head of the Ethical, Legal, and Societal Implications, BBMRI-ERIC

This session explores the ethical foundations of trustworthy Al in the context of biobanking and biomedical research. Participants will examine how principles such as fairness, transparency, accountability and human oversight guide the responsible development and governance of Al systems using sensitive health and biobank data.

Session 6

Biobanking for cancer research: From principles to real-world application

Dr. Zisis Kozlakids, Head Laboratory Support, Biobanking, and Services, IARC

This session introduces the principles and practices of biobanking as implemented for cancer research, including sample collection, processing, storage and quality management to ensure reliable and reproducible cancer research data. It provides examples from the field and explores ethical, legal and governance considerations in biobanking for cancer research, with particular attention to consent, data protection and equitable access to biospecimens. Participants will also examine the role of biobanks in enabling translational research, precision oncology and international collaboration in cancer research.

Eligibility criteria

This workshop series is designed for early to mid-career researchers in the biomedical and medical sciences whose work involves, or will involve, the use of human biological samples and associated data for research purposes. It is particularly relevant for researchers who are currently working with, or planning to engage with, biobanks and biobanking infrastructures.

Target: Countries across Africa; Ukraine; Small Island Developing States (SIDS)

Deadline for applications: 18 May 2026

Apply now.