Difference between revisions of "GGBN Conference 2025/Program"

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{|
 
{|
|width="33%"| (times to be confirmed)
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|width="15%"| (times to be confirmed)
|width="33%"| Excursion to Boulders Beach
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|width="75%"| Excursion to Boulders Beach
|width="33%"|
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|width="10%"|
 
|-
 
|-
 
| ''18:00 - 29:00''
 
| ''18:00 - 29:00''
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|
 
|
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 
= Day 2 – 30 September 2025 =
 
= Day 2 – 30 September 2025 =
 
{|
 
{|
|width="33%"| 08:00 - 08:45
+
|width="15%"| 08:00 - 08:45
|width="33%"| ''Registration opens''
+
|width="75%"| ''Registration opens''
|width="33%"|
+
|width="10%"|
 
|-
 
|-
 
| 08:45 - 09:00
 
| 08:45 - 09:00
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|-
 
|-
 
| '''Building plant repositories for biodiversity research and conservation. A case of Tooro Botanical Gardens, Uganda''' - ''Mutegeki Alislam Said Musa''
 
| '''Building plant repositories for biodiversity research and conservation. A case of Tooro Botanical Gardens, Uganda''' - ''Mutegeki Alislam Said Musa''
|
+
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/yCu2-n4-RdmQsZIYcH7xXQ PDF]
 
|-  
 
|-  
 
| '''A review of biobanking activities for plant biodiversity in Rwanda''' - ''Pascal Sibomana''
 
| '''A review of biobanking activities for plant biodiversity in Rwanda''' - ''Pascal Sibomana''
|  
+
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/ZZTvrfKRTe6NvvZMEtL7eQ PDF]
 
|-
 
|-
 
| '''Preserving Aquatic Biodiversity: The Role of the NRF-SAIAB Biobank in Addressing Conservation and Research Gaps''' - ''Seshnee Pillay''
 
| '''Preserving Aquatic Biodiversity: The Role of the NRF-SAIAB Biobank in Addressing Conservation and Research Gaps''' - ''Seshnee Pillay''
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|-
 
|-
 
| '''Improving Sample Management at the NHM Biobank''' - ''Heather Avrili''
 
| '''Improving Sample Management at the NHM Biobank''' - ''Heather Avrili''
|
+
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/y-Tkns02QB-4eBHeHc-iLQ PDF]
 
|-
 
|-
 
| '''Beyond the biobank laboratory, showcasing game capture operation to acquire biological samples''' - ''Nkotasi Mnisi''
 
| '''Beyond the biobank laboratory, showcasing game capture operation to acquire biological samples''' - ''Nkotasi Mnisi''
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|-
 
|-
 
| '''Hidden Biodiversity: Zoos and Aquariums as Gateways to Conservation Science''' - ''Anna Mekarska''
 
| '''Hidden Biodiversity: Zoos and Aquariums as Gateways to Conservation Science''' - ''Anna Mekarska''
|  
+
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/Cfo37SEvRzSvzKDgeX6t9A PDF]
 
|-
 
|-
 
| '''Biobanking in Mexico: Current Status & Perspectives''' - ''Gilberto Ocampo''
 
| '''Biobanking in Mexico: Current Status & Perspectives''' - ''Gilberto Ocampo''
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|-
 
|-
 
| '''Inventory and sorting of the microbial collections in the Biobank of the Institut Pasteur de Côte d'Ivoire''' - ''Kouame Ambroise Kintossou''
 
| '''Inventory and sorting of the microbial collections in the Biobank of the Institut Pasteur de Côte d'Ivoire''' - ''Kouame Ambroise Kintossou''
|
+
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/JYhdMYqlSAGqieXf9KThYQ PDF]
 
|-
 
|-
 
| '''South African Rhizobium Culture Collection a Biobank for Future Food Biosecurity''' - ''Francina Bopape''
 
| '''South African Rhizobium Culture Collection a Biobank for Future Food Biosecurity''' - ''Francina Bopape''
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|colspan="3"|<hr/>
 
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
 
|-
 
|-
|rowspan="7"|13:45 - 15:15
+
|rowspan="6"|13:45 - 15:15
 
|colspan="2"|<h1>Session 2.3 Botanical Biobanking</h1>'''Chair''' - Anurag Dhyani
 
|colspan="2"|<h1>Session 2.3 Botanical Biobanking</h1>'''Chair''' - Anurag Dhyani
 +
 
As global biodiversity faces increasing threats, preserving plant genetic resources has become a critical priority. This session will focus on the essential methods for conserving plant diversity through seed banking, plant DNA and tissue banking, pollen and spore banking, cryopreservation, and the management of living collections. Experts will discuss the latest advancements in these areas, highlighting the importance of proper collection, storage, and management techniques to ensure the long-term viability of plant species. The session will also explore emerging technologies, strategies for sustainability, and the ethical considerations in plant conservation efforts.
 
As global biodiversity faces increasing threats, preserving plant genetic resources has become a critical priority. This session will focus on the essential methods for conserving plant diversity through seed banking, plant DNA and tissue banking, pollen and spore banking, cryopreservation, and the management of living collections. Experts will discuss the latest advancements in these areas, highlighting the importance of proper collection, storage, and management techniques to ensure the long-term viability of plant species. The session will also explore emerging technologies, strategies for sustainability, and the ethical considerations in plant conservation efforts.
 
|-
 
|-
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|-
 
|-
 
| '''Optimizing Plant Biobank Sustainability: Technical and Funding Strategies at the Nottingham Arabidopsis Stock Centre''' - ''Marcos Castellanos-Uribe''
 
| '''Optimizing Plant Biobank Sustainability: Technical and Funding Strategies at the Nottingham Arabidopsis Stock Centre''' - ''Marcos Castellanos-Uribe''
|
+
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/ehPtac5TRy6PSHGIlU-XiA PDF]
 
|-
 
|-
 
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
 
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
 
|-
 
|-
 
| ''15:15 - 15:30''
 
| ''15:15 - 15:30''
| ''TeaBreak''
+
| ''Tea Break''
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
 
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
 
|-
 
|-
 +
|rowspan="4"|15:30 - 17:30
 +
|colspan="2"|<h1>Session 2.4 Special Session: Publication</h1>'''Chair''' - Jonas Astrin
 +
 +
In this mini-session featuring a single talk we will hear, by the editor-inchief, about the Biopreservation and Biobanking (BIO) journal, about its scope and possible article types. While being the official ISBER journal, BIO is open to all kinds of publications with a biobanking and sample preservation context and is a suitable publication medium for manuscripts related to GGBN topics. Opportunities to publish content presented at the current meeting will be specifically highlighted.
 +
|-
 +
| '''Why Publish in Biopreservation and Biobanking?''' - ''Marianna Bledsoe''
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|colspan="2"|<h1>Session 2.5 Poster Seesion</h1>'''Chair''' - Katie Barker
 +
 +
The poster session offers delegates an opportunity to engage with the breadth of research and innovation represented at the Joint Biobanks Conference. All accepted posters will be on display, showcasing work across every thematic track. Attendees are encouraged to review the posters at their own pace, interact directly with authors, and exchange ideas that spark future partnerships. This informal, highly interactive session is designed to highlight diverse perspectives, celebrate achievements, and foster networking across the biobanking community.
 +
|-
 +
| '''GGBN General Assembly Meeting'''
 +
|
 
|}
 
|}
  
= Day 2 18.10.2023 =
+
= Day 3 1 October 2025 =
 
 
 
{|
 
{|
|width="33%"|  
+
|width="15%"|  
|width="33%"|  
+
|width="75%"|
|width="33%"|
+
|width="10%"|
 
|-
 
|-
 +
|rowspan="9"|09:00 - 11:00
 +
|colspan="2"|<h1>Session 3.1 Microbial Biobanking</h1>'''Chairs''' - Anita Burger
 +
This session will focus on the biobanking of microbes such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and yeasts sourced from diverse and biodiverse natural environments. Presentations will delve into the purpose and significance of these microbial biobanks, the value they have provided (or aim to provide), and strategies for expanding these collections. Special attention will be given to the unique role of microbial biobanks, particularly in Africa, while addressing the sustainability challenges faced by these often underfunded and resource-limited initiatives.
 +
|-
 +
| '''Streamlining Protocols for the Establishment of a Physical Biobank of Respiratory Viruses in the Philippines''' - ''Maria Terrese Dimamay''
 
|
 
|
|colspan="2"|<h1>Session III – Cell Banking and Culture Collections</h1>'''Chairs''' - Oliver Ryder, Jonas Astrin and Jackie Mackenzie-Dodds
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 09:00 - 09:13
+
| '''Unlocking the Microbial Frontier: The Potential Role of the IMBM Microbial Biobank in Biotechnological Innovation and Capacity Development'' - ''Marla Trindade''
| '''The UK Crop Microbiome Cryobank – Advancing Microbiome Research for Sustainable''' - ''Agriculture - Rodrigo Taketani, Rothamsted Research''
+
|
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/M0cwT50MQj6nyJFUtNhKEw PDF] [https://youtu.be/OZYp3l38n-U&list=PLxCMSf8YBiw8RZX6q-_cs-y0nM103_-Is&index=26 VIDEO]
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 09:13 - 09:26
+
| '''African Microbial culture collections and the role that the South African National Collection of Fungi plays''' - ''Adriaana Jacobs''
| '''Strategy for the Biobanking of Potato Genetic Resources at the IPK Genebank''' - ''Manuela Nagel, Leibniz-Institut (IPK)''
+
|
| [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2YjQcwRyAM&list=PLxCMSf8YBiw8RZX6q-_cs-y0nM103_-Is&index=27 VIDEO]
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 09:26 - 09:39
+
| '''The CMW and CMW-IA culture collections of FABI: A biobank focused on the future''' - ''Nicole van Vuuren''
| '''South African National Collection of Fungi: An established resource on the continent''' - ''Riana Jacobs-Venter, National Collection of Fungi''
+
|
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/J3uh6IsDQdammEdmfIG5LQ PDF] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCdvnDM33B4&list=PLxCMSf8YBiw8RZX6q-_cs-y0nM103_-Is&index=28 VIDEO]
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 09:39 - 09:52
+
| '''Biobanking for Animal Health''' - ''Juanity van Emmenes''
| '''The World Federation of Culture Collections and the Global Genome Biodiversity Network: Sharing the Same Mission for Sustainable Futures''' - ''Ipek Kurtböke, World Federation of Culture Collections''
+
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/VpUOrydCTXKO1tFaoj673w PDF]
| [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jtJ_oJqbUs&list=PLxCMSf8YBiw8RZX6q-_cs-y0nM103_-Is&index=29 VIDEO]
+
|-  
 +
| '''The Virus Collection from the Fiocruz Biodiversity and Health Biobank''' - ''Manuela da Silva''
 +
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/tBALVmLbTtafRUIhHDqTFw PDF]
 
|-
 
|-
| 09:52 - 10:05
+
| '''ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij Yeast and Bacterial Biobank: Safeguarding Microbial Heritage for Industry and Biodiversity''' - ''Justin Hoff''
| '''Establishing model lineage systems to study inter-species advanced reproductive approaches''' - ''Francisco Pelegri, University of Wisconsin, Madison''
+
|  
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/DmrCTHffS02KiOPY65vPFw PDF]
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 10:05 - 10:18
+
| '''Biodiversity Biobanks SA Yeast culture collection, UFS, and More...''' - ''Adepemi Ogundeji''
| '''Important Considerations for Biobanking for Genetic Rescue of Endangered Species''' - ''Ben Novak, Revive and Restore''
+
|
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/yz7Eqzp3RVK4OJS6Zy4J1Q PDF] [https://youtu.be/nYJGm9ovnoU&list=PLxCMSf8YBiw8RZX6q-_cs-y0nM103_-Is&index=30 VIDEO]
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
 
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
 
|-
 
|-
| ''10:18 - 10:33''
+
| ''11:00 - 11:30''
| ''Morning Coffee break''
+
| ''Tea Break''
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
 
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
 
|-
 
|-
| 10:33 - 10:46
+
|rowspan="6"|11:30 - 13:00
| '''Introducing Nature’s SAFE: a European Biobank for Conservation''' - ''Tullis Matson, Nature's Safe''
+
|colspan="2"|<h1>Session 3.2 Data and Database Challenges</h1>'''Chairs''' - Belen Escobari and Gabi Droege
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/4kWO52TwR9mtkVmVMUpiJQ PDF]
+
 
 +
Modern biobanks, as we understand them today, represent a relatively recent concept. Their establishment in many cases faces challenges such as unknown collection histories, diverse collections requiring interaction with others, institutional development history, and outdated administrative systems. Creating an inventory of collections and migrating corresponding data from one system to another requires establishing a well-defined workflow incorporating best practices. In this section, we aim to discuss experiences encountered while working with collections and suggest potential solutions and/or workarounds to address these challenges.
 +
|-
 +
| '''Field Collections and Data Integration: Challenges and Solutions in Modern Scientific Practice''' - ''Belen Escobari''
 +
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/-LqBGgVBR_6UI1Mu4ovbJw PDF]
 
|-
 
|-
| 10:46 - 10:59
+
| '''Evaluation of a Data Model and Workflow for Curation of Biodiversity Biobank Data at SAIAB''' - ''Willem Coetzer''
| '''Reproductive biotechnologies and Genetic Resource Banks Applied to Wildlife Conservation in Argentina''' - ''Adrián Sestelo, Gerencia Operativa de Conservación y Gestión de Fauna''
+
|  
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/KscesVdYRLyBViQ39V6vGA PDF]
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 10:59 - 11:12
+
| '''A Fine Kettle of Fish (and Invertebrates): Insights from OceanGenome Legacy’s Migration to Arctos''' - ''Hannah J. Appiah-Madson''
| '''Projects at LIB Biobank Enabling Cell Banking and Protocol Collection''' - ''Jonas Astrin, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change''
+
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/2kWw8giyRfyuAORaFo31eQ PDF]
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/_xF4oM65TWSXiwjKLSEzcw PDF]
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 11:12 - 11:25
+
| '''A Collection Database (and Much More) From the Global South''' - ''Santiago Ron''
| '''PCRYOZOO Biobank of Animal Cell Lines''' - ''Tomàs Marquès and Cira Martínez, Institut de Biologia Evolutiva''
+
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/1QOWiPu3QUiLo4xpsLUYxw PDF]
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/kaLyLAeWQuKqktfBWduT0w PDF]
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 11:25 - 11:38
+
| '''Sustaining physical collections and biodata resources: shared challenges, reciprocal benefits, and collective value''' - ''Chuck Cook''
| '''Organoids for Biobanking and Cellular Agriculture''' - ''Julie Strand, Aarhus University''
+
|
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/CpBbP8f5SNiq0IO3oIHEKw PDF]
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 11:38 - 11:51
+
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
| '''Living algal collection of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” (ACUS)- Important Ex-Situ Biodiversity Conservation Facility, which Maintains High-quality Algal Strains - Need for Biobanking of Algae in Bulgaria – a Country on the Balkan Peninsula with Extra Rich Biodiversity''' - ''Maya Stoyneva and Kristian Ivanov, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”''
 
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/5TFPxDSdTsCfPXazQpodzg PDF] [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/-q39cLtkTYyBjaCNNgXITw PDF]
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 11:51 - 12:04
+
| ''13:00 - 13:45''
| '''Biobank of Megadiverse Fauna of Brazil''' - ''Maria José de Jesus Silva, Laboratório de Ecologia e Evolução''
+
| ''Lunch Break''
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
 +
|-
 +
|rowspan="3"|13:45 - 15:15
 +
|colspan="2"|<h1>Session 3.2 Data and Database Challenges (continued)</h1>'''Chairs''' - Belen Escobari and Gabi Droege
 +
|-
 +
| '''Insights into data standardization and enrichment on the portal level''' - ''Gabi Droege''
 +
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/Yk3_aeLkS1W-ngPA-KCimA PDF]
 +
|-
 +
| Open Session - Q&A
 
|  
 
|  
 
|-
 
|-
 
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
 
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
 
|-
 
|-
| ''11:51 - 12:04''
+
| ''15:15 - 15:30''
| ''Lunch break''
+
| ''Tea Break''
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
 
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
 
|-
 
|-
|
+
|rowspan="5"|15:30 - 17:30
|colspan="2"|<h1>Session IV – Biobanking in megadiverse countries and the Southern Hemisphere</h1>'''Chairs''' - Kim Labuschagne
+
|colspan="2"|<h1>Session 3.3 - ABS, Loans and Shipping</h1>'''Chair''' - Heather Avrili
 +
 
 +
This session will explore the legal, logistical, and ethical complexities of exchanging biological materials globally. Through real-world use cases and expert insights, participants will discuss key challenges and practical solutions related to Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS), material loans, and international shipping.
 +
|-
 +
| '''ABS in practice: Navigating the Nagoya Protocol and Digital Sequence Information''' - ''Melania Muñoz García''
 +
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/1iFrKRE7THGCCJFkZ_9QhQ PDF]
 
|-
 
|-
| 13:30 - 13:45
 
| '''Pangolins: Cultural Use, Illegal Trade and the Scientific Importance of Biobanking Specimens in South Africa''' - ''Ray Jansen, Zoological Society of London''
 
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/p2q9wwUZTwqaR8aZWT7gIg PDF] [https://youtu.be/yyviA_aV-Q4&list=PLxCMSf8YBiw8RZX6q-_cs-y0nM103_-Is&index=31 VIDEO]
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 13:45 - 14:00
+
| '''How legislations from Brazil, India and South Africa affect new taxonomic descriptions''' - ''Manuela da Silva''
| '''Biobanking in a Megadiverse Country: a Brief review of Brazilian Current Initiatives''' - ''Paulo Holanda, Bioquallis Consulting, Curitiba, Paraná''
+
|  
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/M2Vp02meQXSllf2bJcsATw PDF] [https://youtu.be/k5c92f53Qt0&list=PLxCMSf8YBiw8RZX6q-_cs-y0nM103_-Is&index=32 VIDEO]
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 14:00 - 14:15
 
| '''Biodiversity Biobanks South Africa: A Distributed Network of Repositories for South Africa's Rich Biodiversity''' - ''Mudzuli Mavhunga, Biodiversity Biobanks South Africa''
 
| [https://youtu.be/ZHB__2RIvHw&list=PLxCMSf8YBiw8RZX6q-_cs-y0nM103_-Is&index=33 VIDEO]
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 14:15 - 14:30
+
| '''Guardianship or Gridlock? Rethinking Access to Biodiversity in South Africa''' - ''Kim Labuschagne''
| '''The importance of the Humboldt Institute Tissue Collection for Biodiversity Research and Conservation in a Megadiverse Country''' - ''Gustavo Bravo, Instituto Alexander von Humboldt''
+
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/IpDLPwwDTa-hOCxf7XS4mA PDF]
| [https://youtu.be/vNnQUJAKWco&list=PLxCMSf8YBiw8RZX6q-_cs-y0nM103_-Is&index=34 VIDEO]
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 14:30 - 14:45
 
| '''Infrastructure and Management of a Large-scale Genome Bank in a Megadiverse Developing Country. A Case Study in Ecuador''' - ''Diego Paucar, Museo de Zoología''
 
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/KamzZakNT0Clg239tL1LFA PDF] [https://youtu.be/q5fVukW49Ts&list=PLxCMSf8YBiw8RZX6q-_cs-y0nM103_-Is&index=35 VIDEO]
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 14:45 - 15:00
+
| '''Origin, ownership and status of Rose geranium used for essential oils''' - ''Karen Swanepeol''
| '''Using Biodiversity Biobanking to Enhance Plant Conservation in the Megadiverse Country South Africa''' - ''Ross Stewart, African Centre for DNA Barcoding''
+
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/um5RlUzjSXiw4zfTT7tUQQ PDF]
| [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZkMfoarSnM&list=PLxCMSf8YBiw8RZX6q-_cs-y0nM103_-Is&index=36 VIDEO]
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
 
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
 
|-
 
|-
| ''15:00 - 15:30''
+
|18:00 - 20:00
| ''Afternoon Coffee break''
+
| '''GGBN and ISBER Joint Icebreaker'''
 +
|
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
= Day 4 – 2 October 2025 =
 +
{|
 +
|width="15%"| 08:00 - 09:00
 +
|width="75%"| Registration
 +
|width="10%"|
 +
|-
 +
| 09:00 - 09:30
 +
|colspan="2"| Welcome and Getting to know ISBER
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
 +
|rowspan="5"|09:30 - 11:00
 +
|colspan="2"|<h1>Session 4.1 Best Practices for Biobanking: Standards, Sustainability and Innovation</h1>'''Chairs''' - Elne Conradie, Greg Grossman and Rebecca Pugh
 +
As biobanking continues to evolve, maintaining high standards in sample collection, processing, storage, and data management is critical. This session will focus on best practices that ensure sample integrity, regulatory compliance, and long-term sustainability while addressing emerging technologies, ethical considerations and emergency preparedness planning.
 +
|-
 +
| '''Establishing Biobanks of Patient Leftover Samples from Healthcare Provision in Kenya and Uganda: A Feasibility Study''' - ''Akusa Patrice Mawa''
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
| '''Sustainability by design: Governing for a Sustainable Biobanking Ecosystem'' - ''Ciara Staunton''
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
| '''Handbook on Biodiversity Biobanking Practices available online''' - ''Jonas Astrin''
 +
|[https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/SC9vGDC8SsWYvHXpG28NeA PDF]
 +
|-
 +
| '''Lessons in Excellence and Sustainability from Building a 100,000-Sample Biobank in Africa''' - ''Jumi Popoola''
 +
|[https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/MPyAw1zbRgazcKnluHp1XQ PDF]
 +
|-
 +
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
 +
|-
 +
| ''11:00 - 11:30''
 +
| ''Tea Break''
 
|
 
|
|colspan="2"|<h1>Workshop I: Policies for Molecular Collections, GGBN data standard, and workflows for publishing data</h1>'''Chair''' - Astrid de Mestier
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 15:30 - 15:45
+
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
| '''Management of Genetic Resources in Natural History Collections using Specify Collection Management Software''' - ''Andrew Bentley, University of Kansas''
+
|-
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/WLqPFqg_SfitSCAXxyDJLQ PDF] [https://youtu.be/2x_YcPsNAic&list=PLxCMSf8YBiw8RZX6q-_cs-y0nM103_-Is&index=41 VIDEO]
+
|rowspan="5"|11:30 - 13:00
 +
|colspan="2"|<h1>Session 4.2 Environmental Contaminant Studies & One Health: Biobanking for a Sustainable Future</h1>'''Chairs''' - Elne Conradie, Greg Grossman and Rebecca Pugh
 +
Current and new/emerging environmental contaminants of concern impact ecosystems, wildlife, and human health, making biobanks essential tools for studying long-term effects of the environment. This session will explore how biological and environmental samples that are systematically archived can contribute to understanding pollutant exposure, antimicrobial resistance, and the broader One Health approach, which links human, animal, and environmental health.
 +
|-
 +
| '''Cradle to Grave: Specimens from the NIST Biorepository Support a One Health Approach''' - ''Rebecca Pugh''
 +
|  
 
|-
 
|-
| 15:45 - 16:00
+
| '''Introducing BBMRI-ERIC – the European Research Infrastructure for Biobanking and Biomolecular Resources in the context of One Health''' - ''Jens Haberman''
| '''Symbiota-based Services for Publishing Genomic Collections Data''' - ''Nico Franz, Arizona State University''
+
|  
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/9mJA96GHRfyXprxkLJVKdQ PDF] [https://youtu.be/qnW5AACZNug&list=PLxCMSf8YBiw8RZX6q-_cs-y0nM103_-Is&index=42 VIDEO]
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 16:00 - 16:15
+
| '''Korean Environmental Specimen Bank: Core Infrastructure for Retrospective Monitoring of Environmental Change''' - ''J Oh''
| '''Policies for Molecular Collections''' - ''Astrid de Mestier, Botanical Garden and Botanical Museum''
+
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/Jf_1MVC_SS-x8RhHfbbR8A PDF]
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/Vs3O1u44Rwyon49ulZ2hGA PDF] [https://youtu.be/3Q8Sbt74Ug0&list=PLxCMSf8YBiw8RZX6q-_cs-y0nM103_-Is&index=43 VIDEO]
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 16:15 - 16:30
+
| '''Influence of Storage Temperature on Chemical Substances in Archived Municipal Wastewater and Biosolids Samples''' - ''Sarah Gewurtz''
| '''GGBN Data Standard, and Workflows for Publishing data''' - ''Jörg Holetschek, Botanischer Garten Berlin''
+
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/page/site/biodiversity-biobanking/document-details?nodeRef=workspace://SpacesStore/9308a4ae-1a8e-48c5-b702-4ab03333acac PDF (Login required)]
| [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfOFuKPmJMQ&list=PLxCMSf8YBiw8RZX6q-_cs-y0nM103_-Is&index=44 VIDEO]
+
|-
|}
+
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
 
 
= Day 3 – 19.10.2023 =
 
 
 
{|
 
|width="33%"|
 
|width="33%"|
 
|width="33%"|
 
 
|-
 
|-
 +
| ''13:00 - 13:45''
 +
|  ''Lunch Break - Lunch Talk: Freezerworks- Katie Burkhart''
 
|
 
|
|colspan="2"|<h1>Session V- The Nagoya Protocol in Practice: Does it Affect My Field Work and Associated Research?</h1>'''Chair''' - Gilberto Ocampo
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 09:00 - 09:15
+
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
| '''Welcome / Interactive introduction to the Nagoya Protocol''' - ''Gilberto Ocampo and Melania Muñoz García, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes and Leibniz Institute DSMZ''
 
| [https://youtu.be/iynP33qcHUY&list=PLxCMSf8YBiw8RZX6q-_cs-y0nM103_-Is&index=37 VIDEO]
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 09:15 - 09:30
+
|rowspan="7"|13:45 - 15:15
| '''Why is the Nagoya Protocol important for GGBN Collections and Biobanks?''' - ''Manuela da Silva, Fiocruz, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation''
+
|colspan="2"|<h1>Session 4.3 Unlocking the Power of Big Data: Data Management, Integration, and Challenges in Biobanking</h1>'''Chairs''' - Elne Conradie, Greg Grossman and Rebecca Pugh
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/E-Ds9soKTkO0B1GBzLJgtw PDF] [https://youtu.be/T266D3MJv7s&list=PLxCMSf8YBiw8RZX6q-_cs-y0nM103_-Is&index=38 VIDEO]
+
With the increasing volume and complexity of biobank data, efficient data management and integration have become critical challenges. This session will address strategies for handling big data, improving interoperability, ensuring data security, and maximizing the impact of biobank datasets in research and policy-making.
 
|-
 
|-
| 09:30 - 09:45
+
| '''Harnessing big data and multi-omics integration to advance biobanking for rare disease''' - ''Glen Khumalo''
| '''The Nagoya Protocol in Mexico''' - ''Adelita San Vicente Tello, SEMARNAT''
+
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/mOPUJTmRSS2A6ecpC7A7FA PDF]
| [https://youtu.be/I96hcNEYwww&list=PLxCMSf8YBiw8RZX6q-_cs-y0nM103_-Is&index=39 VIDEO]
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 09:45 - 10:00
+
| '''Utilizing Multi-OMICS Technologies to Unravel the Molecular Mechanisms of Orphan Diseases in LMIC's''' - ''M Bramble''
| '''The Nagoya Protocol and the EU ABS Regulation from a Users’ Perspective''' - ''Janina Bornemann, University of Bremen''
+
|
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/5tgJNuqCRgyC-N_xDfOrGg PDF] [https://youtu.be/8xJ5sRms9Bc&list=PLxCMSf8YBiw8RZX6q-_cs-y0nM103_-Is&index=40 VIDEO]
+
|-
 +
| '''Unlocking Longitudinal Child Health Insights in South Africa: A Proposal for an Integrated Clinical Data Platform''' - ''Ilse du Preez''
 +
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/abBJ79n6SKaht4Z2lvbIaA PDF]
 +
|-
 +
| '''Toward Smarter Biobanks: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Bridge the Gap Between Biospecimen Supply and Demand''' - ''Jerome Baudry''
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
| '''AI-Compliant Informed Consent Tokens: Keeping Donors Engaged through Blockchains in the Era of Biobanking 4.0''' - ''Dan Catchpoole''
 +
|
 
|-
 
|-
| 10:00 - 10:15
+
| '''The Alligator Leather of Biobanking: Taming the Big Data Beast''' - ''Hamed Sami Abdelmoneim''
| '''Community protocols and ABS of genetic resources and traditional knowledge associated to genetic resources at the local level''' - ''Guadalupe Yesenia Hernández Márquez & Adriana Flores Díaz, International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services IIFBES''
+
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/upLImvNCTo2IGf3FV84F9Q PDF]
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/TPMnUBVZQjitCTnEUUoiUg PDF]
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
 
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
 
|-
 
|-
| ''10:15 - 10:45''
+
| ''15:15 - 15:30''
| ''Morning Coffee break''
+
| ''Tea Break''
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
 
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
 
|-
 
|-
| 10:45 - 11:00
+
|rowspan="7"|15:30 - 17:30
| '''The Nagoya Protocol: Where to start? Build your ABS Strategy''' - ''Melania Muñoz García, Leibniz Institute DSMZ''
+
|colspan="2"|<h1>Session 4.4 - Accreditation and Credentialing: Pathways to Standardization in Biobanking</h1>'''Chairs''' - Elne Conradie, Greg Grossman and Rebecca Pugh
 +
Standardization and harmonization of biorepository operations are essential forensuring the quality and integrity of biospecimens and associated data. Various accreditation and credentialing programs provide structured frameworks for achieving high operational standards. This session will focus on accreditation programs such as QBRS, ISO, ISBER certifications, and CTERNet, emphasizing their feasibility and implementation in the African region. Experts will discuss best practices, challenges, and strategies for achieving internationally recognized biobank certification.
 +
|-
 +
| '''The Value of accreditation and credentialing in the Biobanking domain''' - ''Vinay Moodley''
 +
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/T6L2CO0xSYeHn4bapzO3Gg PDF]
 +
|-
 +
| '''Progress of the Biobanking Accreditation Scheme Working Group, convened under SANAS''' - ''Tumelo Ledimo''
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
| '''Panel discussion and stakeholder engagement on accreditation and credentialing''' - ''Facilitators: Ciara Staunton, Marietjie Botes and members of the MBirSA steering committee''
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|colspan="2"|<h1>Session 4.5 - Special Session: Publication</h1>'''Chair''' - Greg Grossman
 +
In this mini-session featuring a single talk we will hear, by the editor-inchief, about the Biopreservation and Biobanking (BIO) journal, about its scope and possible article types. While being the official ISBER
 +
journal, BIO is open to all kinds of publications with a biobanking and sample preservation context and is a suitable publication medium for manuscripts related to GGBN topics. Opportunities to publish content presented at the current meeting will be specifically highlighted.
 +
|-
 +
| '''Why Publish in Biopreservation and Biobanking?''' - ''Marianna Bledsoe''
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|colspan="2"|<h1>Session 4.5 - Poster Session: Publication</h1>'''Chairs''' - Elne Conradie, Greg Grossman and Rebecca Pugh
 +
The poster session offers delegates an opportunity to engage with the breadth of research and innovation represented at the Joint Biobanks Conference. All accepted posters will be on display, showcasing work across every thematic track. Attendees are encouraged to review the posters at their own pace, interact directly with authors, and exchange ideas that spark future partnerships. This informal, highly interactive session is designed to highlight diverse perspectives, celebrate achievements, and foster networking across the biobanking community.
 +
|-
 +
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
 +
|-
 +
|18:00 - 20:00
 +
| '''The Value of accreditation and credentialing in the Biobanking domain''' - ''Vinay Moodley''
 
|  
 
|  
 +
|}
 +
 +
= Day 5 – 3 October 2025 =
 +
{|
 +
|width="15%"|
 +
|width="75%"|
 +
|width="10%"|
 +
|-
 +
|rowspan="8"|09:30 - 11:00
 +
|colspan="2"|<h1>Session 5.1 Biobanking Future Directions: Innovations and Strategic Growth</h1>'''Chairs''' - Elne Conradie, Greg Grossman and Rebecca Pugh
 +
As biobanking advances, new opportunities and challenges emerge in areas such as personalized medicine, synthetic biology, climate change resilience, and AI-driven discoveries. This session will explore the future landscape of biobanking, highlighting innovations, funding strategies, and interdisciplinary collaborations shaping the next generation of biobanks.
 
|-
 
|-
| 11:00 - 11:15
+
| '''Nature Based Solutions (NbS) ingetrated with Digital Solutions to Protect and conserve Agrobiodiversity in Georgia''' - ''Kakha Nadiradze''
| '''Digital Sequence Information and Open Biodata Resources''' - ''Chuck Cook, University of Cambridge''
+
|
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/uxCkP1qXRRieLu7ekfZY3Q PDF]
+
|-
 +
| '''FIND integrated biobanks: a network model for efficiency and preparedness based on contracts'' - ''WO Fransman''
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
| '''Preparing Biobanks for the AI Era: Data Structuring and Digitisation at the Breast Cancer Now Biobank''' - ''Catherine McMaster-Christie''
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
| '''Medical Biorepositories of South Africa: Establishing a Medical Biorepository Network in South Africa to Advance Health''' - ''Elne Conradie''
 +
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/O4em_LqDQCmSBOaHTe6PMA PDF]
 +
|-
 +
| '''Pan-African Biobanking Network (PABNet): Strengthening the African Biobanking Community''' - ''Sandra Nanyonga''
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
| '''Building a Rare Disease Biobank: North-West University and Nngwe Collaborate to Establish a Sample and Data Repository''' - ''Leere Scott''
 +
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/gh7NEOylTLyF3pOvlDJtUA PDF]
 +
|-
 +
| '''Beyond the Barcode: Unlocking the Hidden Potential of a Megadiverse DNA Archive''' - ''E Zakharov''
 +
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
 
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
 
|-
 
|-
| ''11:15 - 11:25''
+
| ''11:00 - 11:30''
| ''Q&A'' Chair - Gilberto Ocampo
+
| ''Tea Break''
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
 
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
 
|-
 
|-
| 11:25 - 11:30
+
|rowspan="6"|11:30 - 13:00
| '''Closing Remarks''' - ''Manuela da Silva''
+
|colspan="2"|<h1>Session 5.2 Ethical, Legal and Social Implications (ELSI) for Medical Biobanks: Building Trust through Community Engagement</h1>'''Chairs''' - Elne Conradie, Greg Grossman and Rebecca Pugh
 +
Ethical, legal, and social considerations are fundamental to the responsible operation of medical biobanks. Ensuring community trust, obtaining informed consent, and navigating regulatory frameworks require a thoughtful approach. This session will examine key ethical challenges, explore best practices for engaging communities, and discuss frameworks for balancing data access with privacy protections.
 +
|-
 +
| '''Breaking Down the Burden of Rare Diseases in South Africa: A National Point Prevalence Study Using Orphanet Methodology''' - ''Helen Malherbe''
 
|  
 
|  
 
|-
 
|-
| 11:30 - 12:00
+
| '''Approaches to Participant recruitment for a South African Academic Rare Disease Biobank Outside the Hospital Setting''' - ''Albe Swanepoel and Varushka Padiachee''
| '''Conference Group Picture'''
 
 
|  
 
|  
 +
|-
 +
| '''The Life Time Value of Patient Engagement in Biobanking''' - ''Y Tazi and C Barnes''
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
| '''Unlocking Longitudinal Child Health Insights in South Africa: A Proposal for an Integrated Clinical Data Platform''' - ''Ilse du Preez''
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
| '''Stakeholder engagement/workshop session on Benefit sharing: A MBirSA statement on benefit sharing in biobanking in South Africa''' - ''Facilitated by C Staunton, M Botes and members of the MBirSA Steering Committee''
 +
Benefit sharing has become a key theme in genomic research and biobanking, raising critical questions about equity, justice, and responsible practice—particularly in South Africa, where globally
 +
significant data is often generated from underrepresented communities. Despite its importance, there is little clarity on what constitutes a “benefit,” how it should be shared, or whether benefit sharing is legallypermissible under South African law. To address this gap, the Medical Biorepositories in South Africa (MBiRSA) is leading the development of a national position statement. This initiative brings together legal experts, ethicists, policymakers, researchers, and community representatives to examine the current legal framework, identify uncertainties, and
 +
propose practical guidance. The session will explore emerging perspectives and highlight how a consensus approach can foster fair, transparent, and sustainable governance of biobanks in South
 +
Africa.
 +
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
 
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
 
|-
 
|-
| ''12:00 - 13:30''
+
| ''13:00 - 13:45''
| ''Lunch break''
+
| ''Lunch Break''
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
 
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
 
|-
 
|-
| 13:30 - 15:00
+
|rowspan="7"|13:45 - 15:15
| '''General Assembly Meeting and Conference Close'''
+
|colspan="2"|<h1>Session 5.3 Strategic Biobank Planning and Workforce Development: Building Sustainable and Skilled Repositories</h1>'''Chairs''' - Elne Conradie, Greg Grossman and Rebecca Pugh
 +
Establishing a successful and sustainable biobank requires a strong foundation in governance, business planning, and workforce development. This session will provide a comprehensive approach to
 +
repository planning, covering essential governance models, business strategies, and data management frameworks. Additionally, it will highlight the importance of capacity building through structured training programs, short learning courses, and micro-credentialing to equip biobank personnel with the necessary skills to maintain high operational standards.
 +
|-
 +
| '''Transforming African Biobanks into Globally Trusted Repositories Through Certification and Strategic Capacity Building''' - ''Estelle Dogbo''
 +
| [https://library.ggbn.org/share/s/AxW_ipKaRpqCNtejXgTw1w PDF]
 +
|-
 +
| '''Laying the Groundwork for CGT-Ready Biobanking in South Africa''' - ''Marietjie Botes''
 
|  
 
|  
 
|-
 
|-
| 15:00 - 16:00
+
| '''Cryopreservation for Type 1 Diabetes Islet Transplants''' - ''Progress Dube''
| '''Workshop II: GGBN and the Future of Biodiversity Biobanking'''
+
|
 +
|-
 +
| '''Biobank Feasibility in Africa: Findings from a Pilot Survey by the Pan-African Biobank Network (PABNet)''' - ''Sandra Nanyonga''
 
|  
 
|  
 
|-
 
|-
| 16:00 - 17:00
+
| '''The ISBER Mentoring Program, a Key Resource for your Biobank''' - ''Marianne Henderson''
| '''Executive Committee Meeting'''
 
 
|  
 
|  
 +
|-
 +
| '''Educational and training need for Biobanking in LMICS: The Egyptian Experience''' - ''F Elkhwsky''
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
 +
|-
 +
| ''15:15 - 15:30''
 +
| '''Conference Closing''' - ''Katie Barker, Jonas Astrin, Elne Conradie, Kim Labuschagne and Mudzuli Mavhunga''
 +
|
 
|}
 
|}
=More Conference Information=
 
[[GGBN Conference 2023]]
 
{{Special:PrefixIndex/{{#titleparts: {{FULLPAGENAME}} | 1 }}/|stripprefix=1}}
 
[[category: Meetings]]
 

Latest revision as of 14:09, 18 November 2025

Program

Download GGBN 2025 Program and Abstract Book

Most of the presentations are now available through the GGBN Document Library as open access docs, some are available in the library only. Links are provided below. Presentations with restricted access can be located on the Document Library under the Category “GGBN Conferences,” Subcategory “GGBN 2025 Conference". Please contact library@ggbn.org to request a library account.

Day 1 – 29 September 2025

(times to be confirmed) Excursion to Boulders Beach
18:00 - 29:00 GGBN Ice Breaker

Day 2 – 30 September 2025

08:00 - 08:45 Registration opens
08:45 - 09:00 Welcome by SANBI Management
09:00 - 09:30 Keynote Address: The Global Biodiversity Framework as a Context for Sustainable Biodiversity Biobanks in South Africa - Prof. Michelle Hamer
09:30 - 11:00

Session 2.1 Lightning Talks for Participating Biobanks

Chairs - Katie Barker and Jonas Astrin

This session provides participants the opportunity to share information on theirbiobanks / molecular collections, including facilities and infrastructure,interoperability, address issues related to long-term sustainability, address challenges around sample and data quality. Use cases can be presented, or experiences shared about biobank planning, repository relocation, etc. For this conference, African biobanks are particularly encouraged to introduce themselves, but of course any biobank is welcome.

Biobanking for Biodiversity: Processes, Access, and Applications - Francinah Keneilwe Mosupye
Coral Hospitals as Biobanking Centers: Insights from the NMMBA Model as a Strategic Response to Global Warming and Climate Change - Chiahsin Lin
ARC-Vegetable, Industrial and Medicinal Plant in Vitro and Seed Genebank Collections: Safeguarding Crop Diversity - Lindiwe Mokgakane
Safeguarding citrus diversity - Elize Jooste
Building plant repositories for biodiversity research and conservation. A case of Tooro Botanical Gardens, Uganda - Mutegeki Alislam Said Musa PDF
A review of biobanking activities for plant biodiversity in Rwanda - Pascal Sibomana PDF
Preserving Aquatic Biodiversity: The Role of the NRF-SAIAB Biobank in Addressing Conservation and Research Gaps - Seshnee Pillay
Improving Sample Management at the NHM Biobank - Heather Avrili PDF
Beyond the biobank laboratory, showcasing game capture operation to acquire biological samples - Nkotasi Mnisi
Biobank for biodiversity: The SANParks Veterinary Wildlife Biobank - Zinhle Manda
Genomic Infrastructure for Chile: Design and Establishment of a Biobank through the 1000 Chilean Genomes Project - Juliana Vianna De Abreu

11:00 - 11:30 Tea Break

11:30 - 13:00

Session 2.2 Biodiversity Rich Regions of the World

Chair - Puseletso Johnston

This session will explore the complex challenges and ethical dilemmas associated with biobanking in biodiversity-rich regions, with a particular focus on Africa. As one of the most biologically diverse continents, Africa holds vast genetic resources that are vital for scientific research, conservation, and innovation in healthcare and agriculture. However, biobanking in these regions is fraught with challenges, including regulatory gaps, resource constraints, and issues surrounding access, benefit-sharing, and indigenous knowledge protection.

Hidden Biodiversity: Zoos and Aquariums as Gateways to Conservation Science - Anna Mekarska PDF
Biobanking in Mexico: Current Status & Perspectives - Gilberto Ocampo
1KSA - Decoding South Africa’s Biodiversity - Shane Murray
Inventory and sorting of the microbial collections in the Biobank of the Institut Pasteur de Côte d'Ivoire - Kouame Ambroise Kintossou PDF
South African Rhizobium Culture Collection a Biobank for Future Food Biosecurity - Francina Bopape
Saving South Africa’s Seeds: Natures Time Capsules, Preserved for Future Generations - Victoria Wilman

13:00 - 13:45 Lunch Break - Lunch Talk: Avantor - Sandra Krause

13:45 - 15:15

Session 2.3 Botanical Biobanking

Chair - Anurag Dhyani

As global biodiversity faces increasing threats, preserving plant genetic resources has become a critical priority. This session will focus on the essential methods for conserving plant diversity through seed banking, plant DNA and tissue banking, pollen and spore banking, cryopreservation, and the management of living collections. Experts will discuss the latest advancements in these areas, highlighting the importance of proper collection, storage, and management techniques to ensure the long-term viability of plant species. The session will also explore emerging technologies, strategies for sustainability, and the ethical considerations in plant conservation efforts.

Plant & lichen biobanking in central Mexico - Gilberto Ocampo
Collection of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of the State University of Campinas – Brazil - Ilio Montanari
Characterizing Brassica biobanks and pre-breeding in B. juncea for climate resilient oilseed sustainability in India - Mahesh Rao'
Harnessing Indian Mustard B. juncea Diversity using Integrative Omics Approach to Decipher White Rust Disease Resistance - Ashish Kumar Gupta
Optimizing Plant Biobank Sustainability: Technical and Funding Strategies at the Nottingham Arabidopsis Stock Centre - Marcos Castellanos-Uribe PDF

15:15 - 15:30 Tea Break

15:30 - 17:30

Session 2.4 Special Session: Publication

Chair - Jonas Astrin

In this mini-session featuring a single talk we will hear, by the editor-inchief, about the Biopreservation and Biobanking (BIO) journal, about its scope and possible article types. While being the official ISBER journal, BIO is open to all kinds of publications with a biobanking and sample preservation context and is a suitable publication medium for manuscripts related to GGBN topics. Opportunities to publish content presented at the current meeting will be specifically highlighted.

Why Publish in Biopreservation and Biobanking? - Marianna Bledsoe

Session 2.5 Poster Seesion

Chair - Katie Barker

The poster session offers delegates an opportunity to engage with the breadth of research and innovation represented at the Joint Biobanks Conference. All accepted posters will be on display, showcasing work across every thematic track. Attendees are encouraged to review the posters at their own pace, interact directly with authors, and exchange ideas that spark future partnerships. This informal, highly interactive session is designed to highlight diverse perspectives, celebrate achievements, and foster networking across the biobanking community.

GGBN General Assembly Meeting

Day 3 – 1 October 2025

09:00 - 11:00

Session 3.1 Microbial Biobanking

Chairs - Anita Burger

This session will focus on the biobanking of microbes such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and yeasts sourced from diverse and biodiverse natural environments. Presentations will delve into the purpose and significance of these microbial biobanks, the value they have provided (or aim to provide), and strategies for expanding these collections. Special attention will be given to the unique role of microbial biobanks, particularly in Africa, while addressing the sustainability challenges faced by these often underfunded and resource-limited initiatives.

Streamlining Protocols for the Establishment of a Physical Biobank of Respiratory Viruses in the Philippines - Maria Terrese Dimamay
'Unlocking the Microbial Frontier: The Potential Role of the IMBM Microbial Biobank in Biotechnological Innovation and Capacity Development - Marla Trindade
African Microbial culture collections and the role that the South African National Collection of Fungi plays - Adriaana Jacobs
The CMW and CMW-IA culture collections of FABI: A biobank focused on the future - Nicole van Vuuren
Biobanking for Animal Health - Juanity van Emmenes PDF
The Virus Collection from the Fiocruz Biodiversity and Health Biobank - Manuela da Silva PDF
ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij Yeast and Bacterial Biobank: Safeguarding Microbial Heritage for Industry and Biodiversity - Justin Hoff
Biodiversity Biobanks SA Yeast culture collection, UFS, and More... - Adepemi Ogundeji

11:00 - 11:30 Tea Break

11:30 - 13:00

Session 3.2 Data and Database Challenges

Chairs - Belen Escobari and Gabi Droege

Modern biobanks, as we understand them today, represent a relatively recent concept. Their establishment in many cases faces challenges such as unknown collection histories, diverse collections requiring interaction with others, institutional development history, and outdated administrative systems. Creating an inventory of collections and migrating corresponding data from one system to another requires establishing a well-defined workflow incorporating best practices. In this section, we aim to discuss experiences encountered while working with collections and suggest potential solutions and/or workarounds to address these challenges.

Field Collections and Data Integration: Challenges and Solutions in Modern Scientific Practice - Belen Escobari PDF
Evaluation of a Data Model and Workflow for Curation of Biodiversity Biobank Data at SAIAB - Willem Coetzer
A Fine Kettle of Fish (and Invertebrates): Insights from OceanGenome Legacy’s Migration to Arctos - Hannah J. Appiah-Madson PDF
A Collection Database (and Much More) From the Global South - Santiago Ron PDF
Sustaining physical collections and biodata resources: shared challenges, reciprocal benefits, and collective value - Chuck Cook

13:00 - 13:45 Lunch Break

13:45 - 15:15

Session 3.2 Data and Database Challenges (continued)

Chairs - Belen Escobari and Gabi Droege
Insights into data standardization and enrichment on the portal level - Gabi Droege PDF
Open Session - Q&A

15:15 - 15:30 Tea Break

15:30 - 17:30

Session 3.3 - ABS, Loans and Shipping

Chair - Heather Avrili

This session will explore the legal, logistical, and ethical complexities of exchanging biological materials globally. Through real-world use cases and expert insights, participants will discuss key challenges and practical solutions related to Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS), material loans, and international shipping.

ABS in practice: Navigating the Nagoya Protocol and Digital Sequence Information - Melania Muñoz García PDF
How legislations from Brazil, India and South Africa affect new taxonomic descriptions - Manuela da Silva
Guardianship or Gridlock? Rethinking Access to Biodiversity in South Africa - Kim Labuschagne PDF
Origin, ownership and status of Rose geranium used for essential oils - Karen Swanepeol PDF

18:00 - 20:00 GGBN and ISBER Joint Icebreaker

Day 4 – 2 October 2025

08:00 - 09:00 Registration
09:00 - 09:30 Welcome and Getting to know ISBER
09:30 - 11:00

Session 4.1 Best Practices for Biobanking: Standards, Sustainability and Innovation

Chairs - Elne Conradie, Greg Grossman and Rebecca Pugh

As biobanking continues to evolve, maintaining high standards in sample collection, processing, storage, and data management is critical. This session will focus on best practices that ensure sample integrity, regulatory compliance, and long-term sustainability while addressing emerging technologies, ethical considerations and emergency preparedness planning.

Establishing Biobanks of Patient Leftover Samples from Healthcare Provision in Kenya and Uganda: A Feasibility Study - Akusa Patrice Mawa
'Sustainability by design: Governing for a Sustainable Biobanking Ecosystem - Ciara Staunton
Handbook on Biodiversity Biobanking Practices available online - Jonas Astrin PDF
Lessons in Excellence and Sustainability from Building a 100,000-Sample Biobank in Africa - Jumi Popoola PDF

11:00 - 11:30 Tea Break

11:30 - 13:00

Session 4.2 Environmental Contaminant Studies & One Health: Biobanking for a Sustainable Future

Chairs - Elne Conradie, Greg Grossman and Rebecca Pugh

Current and new/emerging environmental contaminants of concern impact ecosystems, wildlife, and human health, making biobanks essential tools for studying long-term effects of the environment. This session will explore how biological and environmental samples that are systematically archived can contribute to understanding pollutant exposure, antimicrobial resistance, and the broader One Health approach, which links human, animal, and environmental health.

Cradle to Grave: Specimens from the NIST Biorepository Support a One Health Approach - Rebecca Pugh
Introducing BBMRI-ERIC – the European Research Infrastructure for Biobanking and Biomolecular Resources in the context of One Health - Jens Haberman
Korean Environmental Specimen Bank: Core Infrastructure for Retrospective Monitoring of Environmental Change - J Oh PDF
Influence of Storage Temperature on Chemical Substances in Archived Municipal Wastewater and Biosolids Samples - Sarah Gewurtz PDF (Login required)

13:00 - 13:45 Lunch Break - Lunch Talk: Freezerworks- Katie Burkhart

13:45 - 15:15

Session 4.3 Unlocking the Power of Big Data: Data Management, Integration, and Challenges in Biobanking

Chairs - Elne Conradie, Greg Grossman and Rebecca Pugh

With the increasing volume and complexity of biobank data, efficient data management and integration have become critical challenges. This session will address strategies for handling big data, improving interoperability, ensuring data security, and maximizing the impact of biobank datasets in research and policy-making.

Harnessing big data and multi-omics integration to advance biobanking for rare disease - Glen Khumalo PDF
Utilizing Multi-OMICS Technologies to Unravel the Molecular Mechanisms of Orphan Diseases in LMIC's - M Bramble
Unlocking Longitudinal Child Health Insights in South Africa: A Proposal for an Integrated Clinical Data Platform - Ilse du Preez PDF
Toward Smarter Biobanks: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Bridge the Gap Between Biospecimen Supply and Demand - Jerome Baudry
AI-Compliant Informed Consent Tokens: Keeping Donors Engaged through Blockchains in the Era of Biobanking 4.0 - Dan Catchpoole
The Alligator Leather of Biobanking: Taming the Big Data Beast - Hamed Sami Abdelmoneim PDF

15:15 - 15:30 Tea Break

15:30 - 17:30

Session 4.4 - Accreditation and Credentialing: Pathways to Standardization in Biobanking

Chairs - Elne Conradie, Greg Grossman and Rebecca Pugh

Standardization and harmonization of biorepository operations are essential forensuring the quality and integrity of biospecimens and associated data. Various accreditation and credentialing programs provide structured frameworks for achieving high operational standards. This session will focus on accreditation programs such as QBRS, ISO, ISBER certifications, and CTERNet, emphasizing their feasibility and implementation in the African region. Experts will discuss best practices, challenges, and strategies for achieving internationally recognized biobank certification.

The Value of accreditation and credentialing in the Biobanking domain - Vinay Moodley PDF
Progress of the Biobanking Accreditation Scheme Working Group, convened under SANAS - Tumelo Ledimo
Panel discussion and stakeholder engagement on accreditation and credentialing - Facilitators: Ciara Staunton, Marietjie Botes and members of the MBirSA steering committee

Session 4.5 - Special Session: Publication

Chair - Greg Grossman

In this mini-session featuring a single talk we will hear, by the editor-inchief, about the Biopreservation and Biobanking (BIO) journal, about its scope and possible article types. While being the official ISBER journal, BIO is open to all kinds of publications with a biobanking and sample preservation context and is a suitable publication medium for manuscripts related to GGBN topics. Opportunities to publish content presented at the current meeting will be specifically highlighted.

Why Publish in Biopreservation and Biobanking? - Marianna Bledsoe

Session 4.5 - Poster Session: Publication

Chairs - Elne Conradie, Greg Grossman and Rebecca Pugh

The poster session offers delegates an opportunity to engage with the breadth of research and innovation represented at the Joint Biobanks Conference. All accepted posters will be on display, showcasing work across every thematic track. Attendees are encouraged to review the posters at their own pace, interact directly with authors, and exchange ideas that spark future partnerships. This informal, highly interactive session is designed to highlight diverse perspectives, celebrate achievements, and foster networking across the biobanking community.


18:00 - 20:00 The Value of accreditation and credentialing in the Biobanking domain - Vinay Moodley

Day 5 – 3 October 2025

09:30 - 11:00

Session 5.1 Biobanking Future Directions: Innovations and Strategic Growth

Chairs - Elne Conradie, Greg Grossman and Rebecca Pugh

As biobanking advances, new opportunities and challenges emerge in areas such as personalized medicine, synthetic biology, climate change resilience, and AI-driven discoveries. This session will explore the future landscape of biobanking, highlighting innovations, funding strategies, and interdisciplinary collaborations shaping the next generation of biobanks.

Nature Based Solutions (NbS) ingetrated with Digital Solutions to Protect and conserve Agrobiodiversity in Georgia - Kakha Nadiradze
'FIND integrated biobanks: a network model for efficiency and preparedness based on contracts - WO Fransman
Preparing Biobanks for the AI Era: Data Structuring and Digitisation at the Breast Cancer Now Biobank - Catherine McMaster-Christie
Medical Biorepositories of South Africa: Establishing a Medical Biorepository Network in South Africa to Advance Health - Elne Conradie PDF
Pan-African Biobanking Network (PABNet): Strengthening the African Biobanking Community - Sandra Nanyonga
Building a Rare Disease Biobank: North-West University and Nngwe Collaborate to Establish a Sample and Data Repository - Leere Scott PDF
Beyond the Barcode: Unlocking the Hidden Potential of a Megadiverse DNA Archive - E Zakharov

11:00 - 11:30 Tea Break

11:30 - 13:00

Session 5.2 Ethical, Legal and Social Implications (ELSI) for Medical Biobanks: Building Trust through Community Engagement

Chairs - Elne Conradie, Greg Grossman and Rebecca Pugh

Ethical, legal, and social considerations are fundamental to the responsible operation of medical biobanks. Ensuring community trust, obtaining informed consent, and navigating regulatory frameworks require a thoughtful approach. This session will examine key ethical challenges, explore best practices for engaging communities, and discuss frameworks for balancing data access with privacy protections.

Breaking Down the Burden of Rare Diseases in South Africa: A National Point Prevalence Study Using Orphanet Methodology - Helen Malherbe
Approaches to Participant recruitment for a South African Academic Rare Disease Biobank Outside the Hospital Setting - Albe Swanepoel and Varushka Padiachee
The Life Time Value of Patient Engagement in Biobanking - Y Tazi and C Barnes
Unlocking Longitudinal Child Health Insights in South Africa: A Proposal for an Integrated Clinical Data Platform - Ilse du Preez
Stakeholder engagement/workshop session on Benefit sharing: A MBirSA statement on benefit sharing in biobanking in South Africa - Facilitated by C Staunton, M Botes and members of the MBirSA Steering Committee

Benefit sharing has become a key theme in genomic research and biobanking, raising critical questions about equity, justice, and responsible practice—particularly in South Africa, where globally significant data is often generated from underrepresented communities. Despite its importance, there is little clarity on what constitutes a “benefit,” how it should be shared, or whether benefit sharing is legallypermissible under South African law. To address this gap, the Medical Biorepositories in South Africa (MBiRSA) is leading the development of a national position statement. This initiative brings together legal experts, ethicists, policymakers, researchers, and community representatives to examine the current legal framework, identify uncertainties, and propose practical guidance. The session will explore emerging perspectives and highlight how a consensus approach can foster fair, transparent, and sustainable governance of biobanks in South Africa.


13:00 - 13:45 Lunch Break

13:45 - 15:15

Session 5.3 Strategic Biobank Planning and Workforce Development: Building Sustainable and Skilled Repositories

Chairs - Elne Conradie, Greg Grossman and Rebecca Pugh

Establishing a successful and sustainable biobank requires a strong foundation in governance, business planning, and workforce development. This session will provide a comprehensive approach to repository planning, covering essential governance models, business strategies, and data management frameworks. Additionally, it will highlight the importance of capacity building through structured training programs, short learning courses, and micro-credentialing to equip biobank personnel with the necessary skills to maintain high operational standards.

Transforming African Biobanks into Globally Trusted Repositories Through Certification and Strategic Capacity Building - Estelle Dogbo PDF
Laying the Groundwork for CGT-Ready Biobanking in South Africa - Marietjie Botes
Cryopreservation for Type 1 Diabetes Islet Transplants - Progress Dube
Biobank Feasibility in Africa: Findings from a Pilot Survey by the Pan-African Biobank Network (PABNet) - Sandra Nanyonga
The ISBER Mentoring Program, a Key Resource for your Biobank - Marianne Henderson
Educational and training need for Biobanking in LMICS: The Egyptian Experience - F Elkhwsky

15:15 - 15:30 Conference Closing - Katie Barker, Jonas Astrin, Elne Conradie, Kim Labuschagne and Mudzuli Mavhunga