The UNESCO–BBMRI-ERIC-WHO/IARC Workshop Series which will be held under the umbrella of the International Decade of Sciences of Sustainable Development (IDSSD) provides an in-depth introduction to the core dimensions of contemporary biobanking. The series offers a comprehensive overview of sustainable and inclusive biobanking practices, federated IT infrastructures and AI-enabled tools, quality management systems, trustworthy AI in Biobanking, and patient and public involvement (PPI), while also offering a practical exploration of the role of biobanking in cancer research. Through a combination of conceptual input, practical examples, and interactive discussion, the workshops equip participants with both foundational knowledge and practical tools to support responsible, high-quality, and trustworthy biobanking in diverse contexts.
This workshop series is designed for early to mid-career researchers in the biomedical and medical sciences whose work involves, or will involve, the use of human biological samples and associated data for research purposes. It is particularly relevant for researchers who are currently working with, or planning to engage with, biobanks and biobanking infrastructures.
Deadline for submitting applications: 18 May 2026.
Eligibility: Africa, Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) and Ukraine.
Training timeline: 6 days, 1 session per week. From 27 May 2026 until 29 June 2026. Each session will start at 14:00 CET.
For inquiries, please contact Jana Pavlič-Zupanc (jana.pavlic-zupanc@bbmri-eric.eu), Elena Preziosa (elena.preziosa@bbmri-eric.eu), kozlakidisz@iarc.who.int and bs-eng@unesco.org.
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