Knowledge base

Biobanks must balance long-term storage of samples with responsible use of energy, resources, and funding. Sustainable biobanking focuses on efficient infrastructure, ethical governance, and maximizing the scientific value of samples to ensure lasting benefits for research and society. 

9 recommendations for sustainable biobanking 

Sustainable biobanking: The financial dimension 

Good Practices in Sustainable Biobanking A Case Study Analysis 

Business Tools for Biobanks 

Randvoorwaarden voor sustainable biobanking in Nederland (presentatie) 

Report on BBMRI-NL Workshop: Sustainable sample/data infrastructures 

Creating an Environment for Sustainable Biobanking in the Netherlands 

Biobanking and Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) are closely connected, as involving patients and the public helps ensure that biobank research aligns with societal values and expectations. PPIE strengthens trust, improves consent processes, and supports transparent governance of how biological samples and data are collected, stored, and used. 

The Donor as Partner (eng) 

The donor als partner (nl) 

Public outreach for biobanks 

• Biobanken quiz for kids (ppt) 
• Biobanken quiz for kids (pdf) 
• Coloring picture for kids 
• Example YOU krant 8-14 jaar 
• Example YOUth quiz 
• Example YOUth flyer photostory 

How can we ensure that self-measure data is usable 

Scientific thinking in high school students 

• Interactive manual 
• Instruction videos 

Biobank research can reveal incidental findings relevant to participants’ health, but in Netherlands practices for reporting these findings are inconsistent, leaving uncertainty about researchers’ responsibilities. This guide provides ethical guidelines, minimum requirements, and best practices to help researchers and institutions manage and communicate such findings effetively. 

Guide to the detection, management and communication of incidental findings for biobanks in BBMRI-NL 

Effective data stewardship ensures data quality, privacy, security, and appropriate access, enabling long-term, trustworthy use of biobank resources in research.  

HANDS (Handbook for Adequate Natural Data Stewardship) 

Biobank collections are a fundamental pillar for translational biomedical research and significantly contribute to the improvement of healthcare. To ensure the long-term continuity of these collections, it is essential to strike a balance between the financial, societal, and operational aspects of the collections.

Guideline for the Evaluation of Biobank Collections