The International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER) seeks to address the harmonization of scientific, technical, legal, and ethical issues relevant to repositories of biological and environmental specimens. The mission of ISBER as a global organization is to create opportunities for sharing ideas and innovations in biobanking, promote best practices and harmonize approaches to the evolving challenges of biological and environmental repositories.
The Biobank Branch, China Medicinal Biotech Association (BBCMBA) was established in 2009 with a stated vision to treasure bio-specimen, execution standards, as well as apply full utilization of resources, and property rights protection. BBCMBA is a national committee which works on standardizing biobanking and promoting the standardization of biobanking in China. The slogan of BBCMBA is: Industry standard, Education and training, Academic communication, and International cooperation.
ISBER and BBCMBA have signed an Affiliate Agreement. The agreement is intended to facilitate formal regular communication between ISBER and BBCMBA leadership, allowing for increased partnership opportunities and ties to the sizeable biobanking community in China. ISBER and BBCMBA will collaborate to produce a Chinese translation of the ISBER Best Practices: Recommendations for Repositories, Fourth Edition report and work together towards a successful 20th Anniversary ISBER Annual Meeting, taking place May 7-10, 2019 in Shanghai.
“BBCMBA has achieved its objectives through a methodical effort within China. BBCMBA has also recognized the importance of seizing any opportunities for international collaboration. With a focus on collaboration with ISBER over the past years, BBCMBA has launched initiatives to translate ISBER Best Practices since 2012. In addition, BBCMBA has endeavored to encourage Chinese biobankers to participate in ISBER annual conference. It has been very successful in increasing the number of Chinese participants in the ISBER annual conference and raising awareness of ISBER,” said Professor Hengjun Gao, Head of BBCMBA.
“The field of biobanking is expanding globally as it provides the foundation upon which vital medical, environmental, and pharmaceutical research takes place. The release of the ISBER Best Practices 4th Edition will introduce further standardization of the field and boost professionalism,” … “We are delighted that ISBER is collaborating with a strong association in China. Working together, BBCMBA and ISBER will provide guidance and support to biobanks nationally and internationally.” – Dr. Zisis Kozlakidis, President of ISBER.
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