10-Year Roadmap

BBMRI-ERIC will focus on optimising the interconnection of human, animal and environmental health research by exploring opportunities based on the “One Health” paradigm. This will build on the strong expertise in, and infrastructure for, human biobanking which BBMRI-ERIC has developed so far. This will, inter alia, entail connecting to other types of biobanks and repositories, research infrastructures and initiatives with the aim of using the generic BBMRI-ERIC access pipeline for other types of data and samples, thus facilitating different aspects of research.

We plan to strengthen these collaborative efforts across scientific domains, which will lead to better research for the benefit of patients and wider society. This approach will also further streamline research efforts and investments in infrastructure, ultimately saving Member State and EU resources. With the implementation of the “One Health” approach, BBMRI-ERIC also wishes to further facilitate international cooperation.

Accelerating datafication by applying FAIR-Health principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable, quality-defined, with incentives for data sharing and reuse, including ELSI aspects) will enable reproducible advancements in science. BBMRI-ERIC has already showcased the value of pan-European datafication of biobanks through its role in projects that include EHDS2, EUCAIM and GDI.

By accelerating developments in this area, such as responding to the increasing need for on-demand access in biobanking and facilitating on-demand data generation (e.g., developing AI models for advanced biobanking use of biomolecular resources and streamlined access to those resources), significant contributions can be made to EU priorities in health and life sciences research. In addition, datafication will spearhead developments in semantics, interoperability, fitness-for-purpose, and legal and ethical compliance, thereby supporting our ability to respond to advanced research needs.

By investigating and promoting the most sustainable and energy-efficient setup, BBMRI-ERIC will support a low carbon future for biobanks and research infrastructure operations (National Nodes and Headquarters). Ultimately, this will also positively affect operations at the local level, including hospitals and universities.

The new BBMRI-ERIC Green Incentive will drive forward clean-tech investment in line with the Green Deal concept, therefore supporting the achievement of the UN SDGs and the post-2030 development agenda. BBMRI-ERIC will foster clean-tech innovations through academia-industry co-creation and public-private-partnerships. Progress towards a low carbon future will deploy actions towards cost reduction while boosting and preserving resources, consequently ensuring financial and environmental sustainability. Finally, the biobanking community will implement greener biobanking operations with BBMRI-ERIC provision.

BBMRI-ERIC recognises the constraints faced by Member States in today’s political and economic climate and we will therefore investigate additional avenues for generating sustainable income. The ambition is to successfully engage with and generate new sources of income through alliances with universities, industry and private foundations that explore collaboration models such as support for specific visionary projects, in-kind contributions, industry collaboration, public-private partnerships as well as open innovation models. In parallel, the ambition is to nurture close and high-value partnerships with associated and third countries.

The long-term sustainability of BBMRI-ERIC depends upon the expertise of the local and national community. Active engagement and shared responsibilities across the RI will strengthen collaboration with the network, including national policymakers, delegates, National Nodes, and biobanks. Building on the expertise and already existing synergies will be crucial to facilitate knowledge exchange among the RI network and contributes to greater visibility of the overall community. The ambition is to also expand BBMRI-ERIC membership to EU countries that are not yet members to strengthen collaboration and impact.

BBMRI-ERIC will shape education and capacity building by developing agile and future-oriented models for collaborative training and research for different target groups (e.g. researchers, data managers, project managers, biobank technicians). An overarching holistic career and training curriculum will be developed for RI staff in the field of biobanking and biomedical research. By evolving the BBMRI-ERIC Academy, BBMRI-ERIC will be established as a complementary non-university educational organisation that will empower learners to better tackle scientific and societal challenges in the field.

Increasing multisectoral engagement with stakeholders – including Member States, National Nodes, patients and the public, policymakers, industry and academia – is crucial to further develop and strengthen BBMRI-ERIC to generate further socio-economic impact and awareness among wider communities. Patient and public engagement will be achieved through cooperatively created channels. Different parts of BBMRI-ERIC – biobanks, National Nodes and HQ – are each accountable for engaging with their own stakeholders at local, national and European levels.

BBMRI-ERIC has the potential to play an impactful leadership role to strengthen the global biobanking community and standards, as well as advance the biobanking field in Europe and beyond. This is important as global challenges need to be dealt with at global level. With the wider expansion of ERICs, it will also be increasingly important to respond in a timely manner to political and scientific demand while navigating complex ethical and legal frameworks.

In close collaboration with its community and other RIs, and by working towards a global biobanking community, BBMRI-ERIC aims to be a first mover in contributing to and shaping the global agenda. This includes, amongst others, the “One Health” approach, the UN SDGs, the EC’s Gender Equality Strategy, sensitive health data policy, and setting of quality standards.