[Securing the sustainability of biobanks]

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Research Infrastructure
• Biobanking and Sample Management

Background:

• Biobanks are essential for modern biomedical research, requiring professional structure and sustainability.
• Current biobank funding is inconsistent due to diverse focuses, services, and concepts.
• Long-term storage of valuable samples and associated data must be planned from inception.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the challenge of financial sustainability in biobank structures.
• To explore strategies for ensuring the long-term viability of biobanking resources.
• To highlight the importance of efficient resource utilization for biomedical research.

Main Methods:

• Examined various perspectives on biobank sustainability, focusing on financial challenges.
• Proposed a balanced funding model incorporating institutional resources, external grants, and reimbursement.
• Discussed structural measures like centralization and network involvement for long-term sample exchange.

Main Results:

• Financial sustainability is the most significant challenge for biobanks.
• A hybrid funding model combining diverse sources is recommended for biobank financing.
• Centralization, consortia, and networks enhance long-term sample use and exchange.

Conclusions:

• Sustainable biobanking requires a well-balanced financial strategy and structural integration.
• Quality-controlled documentation is vital for efficient resource allocation and maximizing the value of human biomaterial.
• The ultimate goal is sustainable financing of biobank infrastructure for societal benefit.