ISBER Launches New Best Practices: Recommendations for Repositories, Fourth Edition

VANCOUVER, Jan. 31, 2018 /CNW/ - The International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER) announces the release of the ISBER Best Practices: Recommendations for Repositories, Fourth Edition. 

ISBER Best Practices, Fourth Edition (CNW Group/The International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER))

As with the first three editions, this practice-changing publication will influence the science of biobanking for years to come.  "Improving the quality of biobanking practices is essential to improving research outcomes, especially in the fields of precision medicine. The ISBER Best Practices will advance the science of biobanking to the level required to support future healthcare breakthroughs," said Dr. Zisis Kozlakidis, President of ISBER.

In developing the new edition, consultation was solicited from a large number of international biobanking resources.  Lori Campbell, Editor-in-Chief of the ISBER Best Practices, described the updating of the document as "a rigorous, consensus-based process that reflects advances in research and technology for the collection, handing, storage, and distribution of specimens and includes feedback from experts representing a diverse group of human, biodiversity, environmental, and veterinary repositories."  

The publication will meet the needs of a growing industry. "Given the increasing demands and challenges in the field of modern biobanking, there is a need for ongoing professionalization of this sector," said Dr. Daniel Simeon-Dubach, Chair of ISBER's Standards Advisory Committee. "The ISBER Best Practice, which will be translated into simplified Chinese and Japanese, to start, will help meet the needs of the members worldwide and will facilitate further growth in this field".

The February issue of ISBER's journal, Biopreservation and Biobanking, will feature: a review of the Best Practices, how they relate to ISO standards, and how they can be incorporated into repository operations using the ISBER Self-Assessment Tool.  The issue will be released February 15, and will be available through the journal's website. 

About the International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories

ISBER is the only global forum that addresses harmonization of scientific, technical, legal, and ethical issues relevant to repositories of biological and environmental specimens.

ISBER fosters collaboration; creates education and training opportunities; provides a forum for the dissemination of state-of-the-art policies, processes, and research findings; and provides an international showcase for innovative technologies, products, and services. Together, these activities promote best practices that cut across the broad range of repositories that ISBER serves.

Biobanking and Biopreservation is the official journal of ISBER.

SOURCE The International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER)

Contacts: ISBER: Ana Torres, E: [email protected], T: 604-484-5693