Highlights
- George Mason University’s College of Public Health acquires 400,000 specimens through a partnership with Inova Health Systems.
- The biobank features extensive obstetrical and perinatal data from over 4,000 families.
- The new facility will provide unique educational and research opportunities, strengthening public health collaborations.
George Mason University’s College of Public Health has inaugurated a new biobank, marking a pivotal expansion in public health research through its collaboration with Inova Health Systems. This biobank, which now houses an extensive collection of 400,000 biological specimens, promises to be a cornerstone in advancing research on maternal and child health.
This repository includes a diverse range of samples such as placenta, blood, saliva, and urine, collected from over 4,000 families. It is poised to be a pivotal resource for advancing research in maternal health, pregnancy outcomes, and child development.
Melissa Perry, Dean of the College of Public Health, indicated that the biobank will significantly enhance collaborative efforts with Inova Health Systems and other regional partners. This extensive collection, derived from a long-term cohort study, will provide critical data to address pressing issues in obstetrical health and support future public health initiatives.
Larry Maxwell, President of the Women’s Service Line at Inova Health System, emphasized the biobank’s role in supporting research into obstetrical diseases, which are increasingly affecting maternal morbidity and mortality rates. The biobank, funded through investments from Inova and additional support from Fairfax County Government, represents a substantial contribution to understanding and improving maternal and child health.
Located at George Mason’s Science and Technology Campus in Manassas, Virginia, the biobank is equipped with advanced storage facilities, including 11 tanks (called dewars) and freezers operating at temperatures between -80°C and -190°C to ensure specimen preservation. This infrastructure will facilitate high-impact research and offer valuable educational experiences for students in the health sciences.
Michael S. Bloom, the program lead for the biobank, noted the exceptional nature of this comprehensive dataset, which is expected to drive collaborative research and innovation. Alison Cuellar, Associate Dean for Research, highlighted the biobank’s role in reinforcing George Mason’s commitment to advancing public health research and fostering educational growth in the field.
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