Who we are
The Biobanking Development team (BBD) at BBMRI-ERIC drives the integration and growth of National Nodes and their affiliated biobanking networks across Europe. Our mission is to ensure that new and existing members are effectively onboarded, aligned, and fully connected within the BBMRI community. By working closely with Member States, stakeholders, and internal teams, we contribute to building a harmonised, collaborative, and future-ready European biobanking ecosystem that supports scientific excellence and innovation.
What we do
We support and strengthen the development, expansion, and interconnection of biobanking networks across our Member States. From onboarding new National Nodes to advancing established ones, we provide technical expertise, deliver training through the BBMRI Academy, and promote the adoption of best practices to ensure harmonisation and high-quality operations.
We facilitate collaboration by engaging stakeholders across academia, healthcare, and industry, and by enabling participation in working groups and expert networks. In parallel, we contribute to the long-term sustainability of biobanks by supporting their transition from project-based funding to stable, resilient operational models.
Our work also drives innovation by encouraging the uptake of emerging technologies and ensuring that biobanking practices evolve in line with scientific and technological progress. In addition, we enhance the visibility of BBMRI biobanks and facilitate access to biological samples and associated data, while supporting interoperability with national and international health and research data infrastructures.
Why it matters
A coordinated and harmonised biobanking landscape is essential for advancing biomedical research and improving health outcomes. By integrating National Nodes and aligning practices across countries, we enable more effective collaboration, reduce fragmentation, and increase the overall quality and impact of biobanking.
Our support for sustainability ensures that biobanks can move beyond short-term, project-based funding towards stable, independent operations. At the same time, our focus on innovation and data accessibility helps unlock the full potential of biological samples and associated data for research and industry.
We also contribute to environmentally responsible biobanking by promoting practices that reduce energy consumption and carbon footprints, ensuring that the future of biobanking is both environmentally and financially sustainable.
BBD Headquarters Team
