The topics discussed at the event included the role of biobanks in the development of scientific research, as well as the regulations and challenges faced by the community working in this incredibly important field. The conference was organized by our University thanks to the support from the Minister of Science, as part of the project titled “Developing the Polish Biobanking Network within BBMRI-ERIC”.
The event was attended by the staff of biobanks, doctors, and researchers who work on genetics, molecular biology, and transplantation medicine. Professor Marcin Sobczak, WUM Vice Rector for Science and Technology Transfer, opened the conference.
The first to speak was Professor Jens Habermann, Director General of BBMRI-ERIC, who presented a lecture titled “Introduction to BBMRI-ERIC, its 10-Year Roadmap and community driven implementation addressing national and EU priorities”. He was followed by Radosław Zagożdżon, PhD Hab., head of the WUM Laboratory for Cellular and Genetic Therapies, and national biobanking coordinator, who presented the directions of development for the BBMRI.pl consortium; established in order to create better conditions for the development of biobanking in Poland, the consortium also aims to increase the attractiveness and activity of Polish biobanks in research initiatives, especially on the international scale. More information on BBMRI.pl is available here.
The conference also included a panel discussion with representatives of national institutions and BBMRI-ERIC. The topics discussed included the greatest challenges faced by small and large biobanks, concerns that people may have when donating biological material for research purposes, and expectations towards biobanks on the part of biotechnology companies. The discussion was moderated by Radosław Zagożdżon, PhD Hab., and Ilona Szabłowska-Gadomska, PhD.
Other speakers included: Łukasz Kozera, PhD, who talked about the role of biobanking in the response to future epidemic and pandemic crises; Dorota Krekora-Zając, PhD, who discussed the legal challenges in regulating biobanks in Poland; Andrzej Strug, MA Eng., with a presentation titled “IT at BBMRI.pl – to continue or to change?”; Jerzy Proficz, PhD Hab. Eng., with a presentation titled “CI TASK PG – infrastructure and experience”; Thierry van de Wetering, MD, PhD, who talked about the challenges and best practices in integrating genetic data with clinical metadata in biobanks; and Agnieszka Matera-Witkiewicz, PharmD Eng., Professor at the Wrocław Medical University, with a lecture titled “Biobanks vs quality requirements: standardization and integration with national and European initiatives”. A discussion was held to close off the presentations, moderated by Professor Leszek Kalinowski and Radosław Zagożdżon, PhD Hab.
