Abstract
The year 2024 marks the 25th Anniversary of the International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER; www.isber.org). ISBER is commemorating a quarter-century of unparalleled commitment to education, biospecimen science, and environmental preservation. The anniversary was celebrated throughout the ISBER annual meeting in Melbourne, Australia, from April 9–12, 2024, with two dedicated sessions and a banquet, honoring our past and envisioning our future. A documentary film, “ISBER Marching Forward: Celebration of the 25th Anniversary,” was produced by volunteers of the University of Washington (Seattle, USA) and presented during the annual meeting, showcasing ISBER’s history, major events, and achievements. This film is freely available now at the ISBER official website and on the internet https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7XbNoPHCEU.
This ISBER Corner Article aims to celebrate ISBER’s anniversary and to provide an overview of ISBER’s major activities and contributions to biopreservation and biobanking. These efforts have significantly impacted biomedical research, human health care and well-being, and agriculture, as well as worldwide biological and environmental conservation efforts.
Background and Significance of Biobanking
Although biobanking has been an integral part of the practice of pathology for decades, modern biobanking started in an era marked by climate change, increased-urgent needs in biomedical and agricultural research and development, and conservation of endangered species. In agriculture, the possibility of food insecurity looms large. The importance of conservation of plants and seeds was demonstrated by the creation of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway. Banking of biological specimens underpins the core of biomedical research, driving the development of novel diagnostics, the discovery of biomarkers, and innovation in pharmaceutical and precision medicine treatments. Stored cells and genetic material are the foundation for developing treatments that could cure genetic disorders, offering hope to millions.
Founding of ISBER
In 1999, during a meeting at the American Tissue Culture Collection, a group including Elaine Gunter, Frank Simione, Phil Baird, Jim Vaught, and project officer at the Center for Disease Control, Barbara Kilbourne, deliberated over the need for a global society dedicated to biospecimen and environmental banking. This discussion culminated in deciding on the name ISBER and in planning its initial meeting in 2000, that brought together experts from the biomedical and environmental research fields.
ISBER’s Official Journal
One of ISBER’s first major milestones was its release of its official journal, Biopreservation and Biobanking. Born in 2002, under the name Cell Preservation Technology, the journal initially delved into the nuances of cryopreservation science, exploring methods to safeguard biological and environmental resources. As its focus shifted to biobanking, a pivotal decision was made to redefine its identity, emerging as Biopreservation and Biobanking in December 2008. Under the outstanding leadership of esteemed Editor-in-Chief, John G. Baust (2002–2012), Jim Vaught (2012–2022), and Marianna Bledsoe (2022-Present), the journal’s mission evolved, embracing a broader spectrum of biospecimen research and biobanking networks. It became a platform not only for technical papers but also for discussions encompassing ethical, social, legal, economic, regulatory, and commercial facets of biobanking. The journal’s credibility surged with its 2013 approval for Medline and PubMed indexing, further promoting increased article submissions, downloads, and impacts. The featured sections and special issues have greatly amplified the journal’s reach, exploring diverse themes such as disaster recovery, agricultural gene banks, cryobiology research in biobanking, biobanking sustainability, and biobanking during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ISBER Best Practices
Before ISBER’s emergence, the biobanking industry was fragmented and lacked significant standardized practices. There was a variance in protocols, techniques, methodologies, and ethical considerations. This lack of uniformity posed challenges in terms of reliability, reproducibility of experiments, and comparability of research outcomes. In 2005, ISBER published the first edition of its Best Practices, evolving with each subsequent edition to reflect advancements in science and technology. The goal of the Best Practices has been to encapsulate not only the technical aspects, but also the ethical and regulatory landscapes of biobanking.
In 2024, ISBER published the 5th Edition of the Best Practices: Recommendations for Repositories (https://www.isber.org/page/BP5Downloaded). The 5th edition is significantly revised in content and structure, based on ideas emanating from users’ feedback on the previous edition. ISBER would like to thank the Editor-in-Chief, Emma Snapes, Associate Editors, Best Practice Steering Committee, Gap Analysis Task Force, all co-authors and reviewers, and the many individuals who have volunteered to work and contribute to the 5th edition. The ISBER Best Practices presents the most effective practices for the management of biological and environmental specimen collections and repositories. It is the definitive, global guide for managing and operating biobanks. These are either evidence-based or consensus-based practices for collection, long-term storage, retrieval, and distribution of specimens. They promote the availability of high-quality biological and environmental specimens for future research. Augmenting and amplifying the impact of the ISBER Best Practices are several critical ISBER resources that build on the Best Practices. These include the Qualification in Biorepository Science (QBRS) Examination, Essentials of Biobanking, Biobank Assessment Tool (BAT), Biorepository Proficiency Testing Program, and the Biobanking 101/201 Workshops.
ISBER Annual and Regional Meetings
As ISBER expanded its horizons, its annual meetings became the global epicenter of knowledge exchange. From Vancouver to Shanghai, Berlin to Melbourne, ISBER brings together new and returning biobankers, researchers, and young investigators from over 50 countries, providing opportunities for academia, industry, and pharma to learn, connect, discuss, and collaborate.
In addition to the annual meetings, ISBER started holding regional meetings in 2015. The goal of these meetings was to not only further connect those interested in biobanking, but also to support discussions about special topics and practices in locations which may not be included in the global ISBER community. In keeping with these goals, the regional meetings incorporate a more diverse audience and spread biobanking technology around the world.
ISBER Members
What began a quarter-century ago as a modest gathering among a handful of enthusiastic individuals has blossomed into a sprawling global network—a nexus where the brightest minds in biobanking converge. ISBER has flourished into a community that transcends borders and disciplines. Today, its embrace extends across continents, welcoming biobank professionals, esteemed academic researchers, visionary industry vendors, dedicated government employees and committed professionals in technical, ethics, legal, and advocacy fields into its fold. ISBER’s membership, a testament to its far-reaching impact, spans the globe. From the corners of over 50 countries, hundreds of individual members and member organizations contribute their expertise, their dedication, and their unwavering commitment to the cause of preserving life’s invaluable treasures.
ISBER Awards
ISBER honors excellence and dedication. A series of prestigious awards have been presented during the annual meetings and include the Outstanding Achievement in Biobanking Award, ISBER Best Paper Award, Distinguished Leadership and Service Award, ISBER Special Service Award, and ISBER Outstanding New Product Award, standing as tributes to individuals, groups, and commercial vendors.
ISBER Today
Today, ISBER stands as a global cornerstone in the realm of biobanking, propelled forward by an unrelenting commitment to progress and an unwavering dedication to excellence. As it continues to evolve and adapts to meet the ever-growing demands of our interconnected world, the organization’s future is bright. ISBER is shaping the landscape of biobanking through a comprehensive suite of tools designed to empower, educate, and elevate the biobanking industry. These invaluable resources serve as the guiding compass for professionals navigating the intricate terrain of biobanking. Central to ISBER’s arsenal is the BAT, an exhaustive evaluation comprising nearly 300 questions that span every facet of biobanking, which assists biorepositories in evaluating how well they follow ISBER’s Best Practices. From facility design to safety protocols, from auditing procedures to risk mitigation strategies, this tool sets the gold standard for biobank operations worldwide, driving excellence and reliability. In addition to the assessment, ISBER’s extensive tool library offers a wealth of virtual information training platforms, which include engaging educational webinars, enlightening podcasts, and interactive exhibit halls. These resources empower individuals and organizations alike, enabling them to remain at the forefront of biobanking innovation and to nurture the growth and impact of our member biobanks. Since ISBER launched the QBRS examination in April 2020, many biobanking practitioners have received QBRS qualification certificates, gaining recognition for their skills and competencies as biobankers.
Collaborations
Throughout its history, ISBER has established an expansive network of global collaborations, uniting with entities such as the College of American Pathologists, Canadian Tissue Repository Network, Australasian Biospecimen Network Association, and the World Health Organization. A special alliance is with the Society for Cryobiology. In 2018, an agreement was forged, integrating an addendum focused on Liquid Nitrogen Storage Best Practices into ISBER’s Best Practices. This accord between ISBER and the Society for Cryobiology marked a new era in the annals of biobanking, where the two organizations agreed to cooperate as they pursue common visions.
Continuing the Journey of Excellence
As we celebrate ISBER’s 25th anniversary, we pay homage to its journey—a journey marked by resilience, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. From its inception to its present-day stature, ISBER remains the vanguard, illuminating the path toward a future where groundbreaking discoveries await, a future sculpted by the hands of visionary pioneers and fueled by the spirit of relentless exploration.
During the past 4 years, the ISBER Board of Directors has focused on restructuring and strengthening our society, based on the 2021 ISBER strategic plan, through many creative and planned activities. Sincere appreciation is given to the members of ISBER Board of Directors, various ISBER committees, task forces, working groups, special interest groups, review boards, writing groups, sponsors, and volunteers for their continued and outstanding support. ISBER has continued to develop our Regional Ambassador program, with ambassadors in all four regions in the world, led by our Directors-at-Large.
ISBER will continue to serve as a foundation for biobanking researchers and practitioners to work together synergistically for the advancement of biomedical and environmental science. Toward this end, the ISBER Board of Directors is embarking on the development of our 2025–2028 strategic plan with significant input and contributions from our membership.
Thanks to our members’ great efforts, we expect a bright future that will build on the productive and exciting first 25 years!