Central Biobank Charité (ZeBanC) achieves the BBMRI-ERIC Quality Label

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BBMRI-ERIC has awarded the Quality Label to the Central Biobank Charité (ZeBanC), Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, which recognises the robustness of ZeBanC’s quality management system.The award is based on a structured quality assessment focusing on the maturity, implementation and effectiveness of quality-related processes. Areas reviewed included governance structures, documentation, sample handling procedures and mechanisms for continuous improvement. 

ZeBanC is the central biobanking facility of Charité and provides high-quality biospecimens and associated data for a wide range of clinical and translational research projects. It supports research across multiple medical disciplines and contributes to national and international biobanking initiatives, including activities within the German Biobank Network (GBN). 

Preparation for the BBMRI-ERIC Quality Label 

The preparation for the BBMRI-ERIC Quality Label was supported by ZeBanC’s participation in the quality programme of the GBN. As part of this programme, ZeBanC underwent comprehensive internal audits aligned with the requirements of DIN EN ISO 20387 for biobanking. These audits covered the full scope of biobank activities and assessed organisational structures, operational procedures and quality assurance mechanisms.  

Building on a DIN ISO 9001-certified quality management system in place since 2017, the GBN audit process supported the further alignment of ZeBanC’s quality management system with ISO 20387 requirements and provided an important basis for the subsequent award of the BBMRI-ERIC Quality Label. Andrea Wutte, MSc, Head of Quality Management at BBMRI-ERIC, says:

“For BBMRI-ERIC, the awarding of the Quality Label to ZeBanC strengthens the network of trusted biobanking resources and supports the overarching goal of facilitating access to high-quality, well-characterised samples and data for biomedical research across Europe.”

Commenting on the award, Angelika Zablewski, quality manager at ZeBanC, highlights:

“The BBMRI-ERIC Quality Label reflects both recognition and responsibility. It acknowledges our commitment to quality, transparency and continuous improvement. For us, this milestone is not only a confirmation of our efforts, but also a promise to all our partners.” 

From a strategic perspective, Dr. Alexandra Stege, Head of ZeBanC, emphasises:

“At ZeBanC, the Quality Label strengthens our foundation and motivates us to further develop reliable and innovative biobanking services. We are proud of our team and grateful for the dedication that made this achievement possible.” 

The experience gained during the BBMRI-ERIC assessment process will support ZeBanC’s ongoing development, including further process standardisation, the expansion of collections and the integration of new technologies in line with evolving research needs. 

Further reading 

More on BBMRI-ERIC audit programme and Quality Label.