Biobanks are fundamental infrastructures in health research, serving as the bridge between patients, data, and scientific discovery. By ensuring the high-quality collection, storage and responsible use of biological samples and associated data, biobanks play a pivotal role in advancing precision medicine, translational research and improved healthcare outcomes.

Biobank Week is a collaborative knowledge-sharing initiative designed to explore bes practices in biobanking for biomedical research. Promoted by GIMM, through the GIMM CARE clinical and translational research initiative, the School of Medicine of the University of Lisbon (FMUL) and the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Biobank Week aims to foster discussion, harmonization and innovation in approaches to biobanking.

At the core of Biobank Week is an Advanced Course that delves into the inner workings of a biobank — from daily operations and quality management to ethics, governance, data protection and sample security. The programme includes a hands-on workshop component, ensuring that participants can translate theory into practice.

For those with limited availability, Biobank Week also offers an open session for the wider community, focused on increasing the visibility and understanding of biobanks in health research, particularly among healthcare professionals. The programme is further enriched by the participation of industry partners, providing insights into the latest materials, technologies and solutions for biobanking.

This course is aimed at researchers, technicians, postgraduate students in health sciences, healthcare professionals and all those seeking a deeper and up-to-date understanding of biobanks.

Dates: 23–26 February 2026
Location: Cidade Universitária (building and rooms TBC)

Programme Overview

* Included in the paid and accredited Advanced course. Sessions in ENGLISH.

** Open to the community and free to attend. Sessions in PORTUGUESE.

Promoters