BBMRI.cz - The Network of Czech Biobanks

Large Research Infrastructure founded by government of Czech Republic

Since 2010, the BBM at MMCI has participated in and coordinated the Czech National Node of Biobanks (BBMRI.cz), a large research infrastructure within the pan-European network BBMRI-ERIC (Biobanking and Biomolecular Resources Research Infrastructure – European Research Infrastructure Consortium). This initiative facilitates the easier selection and searching of biological samples, as well as communication among biobanks and applicants. Our biobanking and IT experts have played key roles in developing online tools such as Negotiator, Federated Search, Directory, and Locator. One of the primary objectives of this biobank network is to integrate legal, ethical, and societal principles, alongside optimizing and standardizing procedures to achieve minimum quality management standards in accordance with EU guidelines for all BBMRI.cz members.

BBMRI.cz is supported by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MYES), since 2010 it is part of the ESFRI Road Map (European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures).

8 member biobanks spread in the Czech Republic

What is a biobank?

The Bank of Biological Material (BBM) stores long-term frozen or otherwise processed tissues and other human biological materials from patients as well as healthy donors. BBM provides samples, including clinical information, for example at MMCI oncology research projects as well as national or international translational research projects. Access to such archived material, including clinical data, can facilitate and accelerate the translation of laboratory knowledge into clinical practice.

Where is biological material used?

The samples and associated data stored in biobanks can be used in biomedical research, for example, to study the etiology of diseases or to develop and validate new diagnostic methods. The sample- and data sets can also be used for the development of personalized medicine, aimed at preventing, detecting and treating diseases in ways that are adapted to suit each patient individually.