Biobanks are collections of biospecimens and associated data from animals, humans, environments, microbes, geological deposits, botanicals and crops or historical artifacts that can be used in critical scientific research. In the case of human and animal biospecimens, these may also be able used in direct clinical interventions such as precision medicine. Despite being a foundation and linchpin of modern science, with major contributions in nearly every sub-discipline of scientific research around the world, biobanking as a discipline remains somewhat in obscurity. This unfamiliarity represents an ongoing threat to the sustainability of biobanks, which includes reductions in funding, government and public support, and ultimately scientific impact. Therefore, awareness of biobanking's global impact must be the foundation for further advocacy and education, and with this in mind, a new international initiative, 'Global Biobank Awareness' (GBA) has been launched to propel biobanking into the public consciousness.
"Biobanking is often overlooked or misunderstood for its complexity and its global impact. Even people who work in the field and/or collaborate with biobanks may not immediately connect the term "biobanking" with the specialized processes, expertise, infrastructure, and stewardship behind it" said GBA co-chair Ms. Debra Leiolani Garcia.
Global Biobank Awareness (GBA) is a worldwide initiative dedicated to helping the public, stakeholders, academic institutions and governments better understand the essential role biobanks play in scientific discovery, environmental sustainability, and modern healthcare. "It's not uncommon for scientific professionals to completely underestimate the precise practices and diligence required to appropriately collect and curate high-quality biobanks" said GBA co-chair Dr Cassandra Griffin, "Appropriate infrastructure, global regulatory and legislative approvals as well as a detailed understanding of standardized methodologies such as cryopreservation are essential to ensure that specimens yield the highest quality research data".
While high profile biobanking initiatives such as the Svalbard Global Seed Vault are gaining traction in public awareness, there is considerable work to be done. Global Biobanking Awareness (GBA) launched in 2025 with the release of an introductory video showcasing the vast breadth and diversity of biobanking on a global scale. In 2026, this initiative will be expanding to include case studies and biobanking representation delivered during a dedicated Biobanking Awareness Week. Distinguishing it from past initiatives aimed to increase visibility of biobanking, GBA is directed not only at the scientific community but at the public. "Biobanking is a unique discipline of science, in which stakeholders such as donor patients or traditional custodians are essential advocates who underpin both our ability to collect samples and are likely to benefit from the research outcomes they generate." Says Dr Griffin. "Ensuring an integrated awareness between the scientific and non-scientific communities alike will be key to attracting the attention of policy makers and funding bodies. The outcome, a more robust delivery of biobanking and biospecimen science programs and faster translation of research outcomes for essential programs such as personalised medicine in oncology."
The GBA co-chairs emphasize that the success of Global Biobank Awareness depends on active participation from biobankers, partners, and allied communities. By engaging openly, sharing experience, and highlighting real-world impact, contributors can help make the value of biobanking more visible, relevant, and widely understood. To find out more about GBA visit globalbiobankawareness.net. A short report on this exciting initiative is also available in the International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER; www.isber.org ) Official Journal, Biopreservation and Biobanking titled 'Global Biobank Awareness: An Initiative to Showcase Impact and Increase Global Visibility of Biobanks'1 (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/19475535261471389). As a generous show of support for this growing initiative, this manuscript is available to access without a journal subscription for a limited time.
Ms. Garcia concluded "Dr Griffin and I are excited to work with partners across global biobanking networks and associations to advance this initiative through coordinated collaboration in 2026 and beyond. Together, we aim to strengthen awareness, celebrate the impact of biobanking, and build global support for the field."
References:
- Griffin CP, Garcia DL, Grossman GH. Global Biobank Awareness: An Initiative to Showcase Impact and Increase Global Visibility of Biobanks. Biopreservation and Biobanking. 2026;0(0). doi: 10.1177/19475535261471389
