ESA HRE Exploration Biobank @ GIMM

The European Space Agency (ESA) Human and Robotic Exploration (HRE) Biobank, hosted at Fundação GIMM – Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine (GIMM), is a dedicated European infrastructure supporting sample preservation, research, and innovation in human spaceflight. This biobank provides secure long-term storage of biological samples generated through ESA’s Exploration programmes.

Mission & Purpose:

The Exploration Biobank is dedicated to the long-term preservation, management and distribution of human and environmental biological samples collected in the context of human spaceflight research. Its mission is to provide a high-quality, secure and accessible resource enabling an improved understanding of human adaptation to space, while also supporting investigations into the spaceflight microbial environment, plant biology, and other environmental factors.

Scientific Value:

Investigating physiological adaptation

to microgravity

Characterising immune, musculoskeletal, metabolic and molecular responses

Supporting development of biomedical technologies

Enabling biomarker discovery

Providing a robust resource for European and international research

Research of microbial environment in space

Know more at ESA – Exploration Science website here.

Requesting Sample Ingestion (Sample Storage at Exploration Biobank)

The biobank follows a structured, documented workflow for sample ingestion as defined in its Standard Operating Procedures:

REQUEST SUBMISSION by ESA-authorized party

Ingestion requests may be initiated by ESA representatives, ESA-designated research sites/facilities/study coordinators or other ESA-authorized parties. Requests must be submitted at least 15 calendar days before shipment via biobank@gimm.pt, accompanied by:

- Completed ESA Sample Ingestion Form*;
- Statement confirming that informed consent was obtained in accordance with legal and ethical regulations*;
- Blank Copy of the Consent Form Template;
- Material Transfer Agreement (MTA), if applicable.

REQUEST CONFIRMATION by Exploration Biobank

Within one working day, the Exploration Biobank confirms request receipt. Exploration Biobank will then validate documentation, verify storage availability and communicate the acceptance or, if applicable, request additional information.

TRANSFER OF SAMPLE METADATA AND SAMPLE SHIPMENT by ESA-authorized party

Following approval of the request, the ESA-authorized party must upload the sample metadata to a secure transfer platform, no later than 5 working days prior to the expected shipment of samples. An internal tracking ID is assigned, and shipment logistics are coordinated using certified couriers coordinated by the Exploration Biobank.

SAMPLE RECEPTION AND VERIFICATION by Exploration Biobank

Upon arrival, samples undergo quality and documentation checks. Any inconsistencies in labelling or metadata lead to the samples being placed on hold. ESA is immediately informed and may authorize correction or rejection.

TRACEABILITY, BACKUP AND REGISTRATION ensured by Exploration Biobank

All samples are registered in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) ensuring full traceability. Where applicable, samples are ingested in duplicate, stored across separate freezers and even separate buildings to ensure redundancy.

REPORTING by Exploration Biobank

After processing and storage, an official “Sample Ingestion Completion Report” is issued to ESA.

Requesting Sample Dissemination (Sample Access from Exploration Biobank)

Requests to access stored samples follow a similarly rigorous procedure, ensuring compliance, scientific oversight, and ethical approval requirements. Samples can only be requested following positive selection of a project proposal to ESA via dedicated Announcements of Opportunity which will be released by ESA.

REQUEST SUBMISSIONREQUEST AND VALIDATION by ESA-authorized party

Dissemination requests must be submitted by ESA or ESA-authorized entities. Requests must be submitted at least 15 days before intended shipment via biobank@gimm.pt, accompanied by:

- Completed ESA Sample Dissemination Form*
- Approval of ESA Medical Board
- Approval of Local Ethics Committee

REQUEST CONFIRMATION by Exploration Biobank

Within two working days, the Exploration Biobank confirms the receipt of the dissemination request, reviews it and communicates its acceptance or, if applicable, requests additional information.

TRANSFER OF SAMPLE METADATA AND SAMPLE SHIPMENT by Exploration Biobank

Following approval of the request, the ESA-authorized party can download the sample metadata from a secure transfer platform. An internal tracking ID is assigned, and shipment logistics are coordinated using certified couriers.

SAMPLE RECEPTION AND VERIFICATION by ESA-authorized party

Upon receipt of samples, the ESA-authorized party verifies if all samples have been received in good condition and confirms receipt to the Exploration Biobank.

REPORTING by Exploration Biobank

After dispatch, an official “Sample Dissemination – Shipment to Recipient Report” is issued to ESA and to the ESA-authorized party. ESA is also notified once confirmation of successful delivery is received from the ESA-authorized party.

* This form may be downloaded from the “Annexes”.