The GIMM Biobank promotes biomedical, clinical and translational research, and supports postgraduate scientific training for students, doctors and other health professionals.
Learn how the GIMM Biobank can contribute to your research.
The structural conditions of the GIMM Biobank place it in a privileged position in the promotion of national and international cooperation for the study of various diseases, in the establishment of collaborations between clinicians and researchers, and in the cooperation between research institutions, hospitals and the pharmaceutical industry, with the aim of promoting the health and well-being of future generations.
Contributing to the identification of new diagnostic, prognostic and disease progression biomarkers, and to the discovery of innovative drugs to treat various human diseases, the GIMM BIobank aims to have a significant impact on science and health.
Samples
Donors
Samples Requested
Services
The biobank is available to establish agreements with researchers to provide specific services.
These services include:
- Extraction of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) from whole blood, tissue, and cells.
- Isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC).
- Primary culture of human skin fibroblasts.
- Sample processing according to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Frequently asked questions
What equipment does the biobank have, and how does it ensure sample quality?
The GIMM Biobank uses -80°C freezers and liquid nitrogen containers at -196°C. To ensure optimal performance, we monitor temperatures using probes and keep the storage area cooled to maintain ideal conditions. In the event of equipment failure, the GIMM Biobank’s technical manager transfers samples to a backup unit to guarantee proper preservation.
How is the GIMM Biobank funded?
The GIMM Biobank is supported by the Gulbenkian Foundation for Molecular Medicine and the Lisbon Academic Medical Center. It also receives private funding and support from scientific societies.
Does the GIMM Biobank focus on any specific type of research?
No. The GIMM Biobank is available for any field of study, provided the proposed project meets the necessary ethical and scientific requirements for sample sharing.
Can researchers outside Portugal use the GIMM Biobank?
Researchers from other countries can request samples from the GIMM Biobank, subject to the same evaluation process. The biobank encourages the formation of consortia or study groups focused on specific diseases, particularly for samples that deplete over time.
How does the GIMM Biobank assess the quality of research projects?
With voluntary contributions from donors, the GIMM Biobank aims to build a resource for research. However, since biological samples are finite, careful consideration is given when sharing them. The GIMM Biobank does not evaluate the scientific value of a study or assume responsibility for it but determines the relevance and originality of its objectives.
How much does it cost to use the GIMM Biobank?
The GIMM Biobank has carefully considered various cost models and adopted a solution that only covers part of the material costs for sample preparation. Administrative and equipment costs necessary for the biobank’s operation are not included.
What is the relationship between the GIMM Biobank and the pharmaceutical industry?
Some pharmaceutical companies have expressed interest in the GIMM Biobank’s potential and have contributed to funding equipment and software. However, access to samples