Abstract
There was a time when to fly around the world in 80 days was an incredible feat! Although global trips can now be completed in <1 day (if one ignores the international date line!), great diversity is still observed among global strengths, needs, and interests. The global move to virtuality has helped to bridge some of this diversity, but it is still beneficial to examine the spectrum of global situations. There is good news—since different situations often necessitate different solutions, it is likely we have much more to learn from each other than we currently recognize.
ISBER has prioritized global needs since its shift to a geographic region model, with Directors-at-Large (DALs) from each of the four current ISBER regions (Americas, Europe-Middle East-Africa [EMEA], Indo-Pacific Rim [IPR], and China) having a place in the ISBER Board of Directors. All four regions are developing strategies by examining their region's needs through observation, survey, interviews, and other means. What observations might be made regarding networks, efficiencies, tools and resources, and learning? Are there unique contributions, best practices, and/or challenges that could be shared with or helped by other regions? The DALs are early in conducting their investigations, and have shared some initial observations. All biobanking community members are invited to share their observations as well.
The Americas region is the largest in ISBER, including North, Central, and South America and, in general, benefits from a strong and active membership base. Diane McGarvey, Americas DAL, has noted that the sheer number of members in the United States and Canada leads to multiple opportunities to network and gain knowledge from the shared experiences of fellow biobankers. For example, members commonly use the ISBER forum to discuss ideas, solicit advice, and/or seek opinions from colleagues.
However, during interviews with biobankers from Mexico, Central America, and South America, it came to light that there does not appear to be any common resource or network for biorepositories within this subregion. Although some countries have a network of banks with limited resources, other banks are developing their processes and procedures in isolation. Some were fortunate to find out about ISBER and are learning from the Best Practices. Others were not yet aware of the opportunities that ISBER can provide to them.
Koh Furuta, IPR DAL, noted that the IPR is unique in that both the Pacific and Indian Oceans exist in the middle of the region, resulting in a huge diversity of language, environment, and anthropology. The IPR is doing extremely well in various fields, including biobanking. Utilization, and sometimes sharing, of biobanking samples and data, can be challenging. There are also issues of biobanking awareness, infrastructure, funding allocation, networking connections, and opportunities. New biobanking initiatives are anticipated to serve the rest of the world, particularly for health science research.
Elne Conradie, EMEA DAL, notes that major issues in this region are as diverse as the region itself, including the experiences of first world countries, developing countries, and countries in a state of war, either with external countries or internally. The accompanying level of high uncertainty adds another layer of challenge for individuals, companies, and institutions. Inequitable access to health care and services, inequitable distribution of infrastructure, and under-representation, as experienced throughout society in many African countries, often forces entities to work with very limited and very basic supplies, infrastructure and knowledge.
Despite the wide ranging and varied challenges across EMEA, ISBER strategic planning efforts identified some common goals, including translation, increasing ISBER's regional presence and inclusion of regional organizations in ISBER webinars and conferences. The EMEA Regional Ambassadors presented their collective experiences in an article by Afifi et al. published in Biopreservation and Biobanking in 2020. 1 More information on Africa can be found in an article by Conradie et al. published in Biopreservation and Biobanking in 2021. 2
As part of our continuing effort to evolve the society to understand and meet the most critical needs, ISBER is having its first overseas regional meeting since the pandemic lockdown in Granada, Spain in October 2023, and the 2024 annual meeting will take place in Melbourne, Australia. This will afford a first-hand opportunity to explore global situational knowledge.
We are also looking forward to the publication of the Best Practices Fifth Edition later this year. We are very proud of the increased presence of global experts as editors, contributors, and reviewers who represent six continents and 22 countries.
ISBER will be holding a global session during the 2023 Annual Meeting in Seattle, with representatives from biobanking organizations around the world. This will be an opportunity for a global exchange and for questions. Networking with fellow colleagues and learning from experienced contemporaries is a hallmark of our society. Through focused efforts, our society can meet the challenges and connect these repositories to our global community.
Whereas this is just a snapshot of today, there is a great deal to learn about and from the diversity of regions involved in ISBER. You are invited to make connections with other regions through the ISBER forum or one of our live activities; and to make suggestions to the ISBER leadership regarding needed programs, tools, and resources from ISBER. Please share your ideas with us!