With a wide range of presentations, posters sessions and networking activities, the German Biobank Network (GBN) once again had a strong presence at Europe Biobank Week (EBW) in 2026. The conference, organised by the European biobank organisations BBMRI-ERIC and the European, Middle Eastern & African Society for Biopreservation and Biobanking (ESBB), brought together researchers, biobank experts and representatives of research infrastructures from across Europe in Prague from 19 to 22 May.
A particular highlight from a German perspective was the presentation of the BBMRI-ERIC Quality Labels during the closing ceremony. A total of eight German biobanks received the award, which recognises high standards in quality management. The trophies were presented on stage to representatives of the award-winning institutions.
The following were honoured:
- Augsburg Central BioBank (ACBB)
- ZeBanC – Central Biobank of the Charité and the Berlin Institute of Health at Charité
- BioBank Bonn
- Central Biobank Erlangen (CeBE)
- DZIF Tissue Bank Heidelberg
- Heidelberg Lung Biobank
- Leipzig Medical Biobank
- Interdisciplinary Biomaterial Bank and Database Würzburg (ibdw)
In addition, numerous contributions from the GBN shaped the scientific programme of the EBW. In total, GBN representatives contributed to the programme with twelve presentations on topics such as sample and data quality, biobanking in cancer and infectious disease research, education and training, as well as innovative infrastructure concepts.
The further development of the German biobanking landscape was also a topic of the conference: In a presentation, GBN National Node Director PD Dr Sara Nußbeck outlined the vision for a future biobank platform for Germany, which builds on the long-standing experience and collaborations within the GBN and aims to further strengthen national and European networking.
In addition to the scientific content, the EBW provided, above all, a space for exchange with colleagues from across Europe. The event once again highlighted the importance of international cooperation for the further development of biobanks and access to high-quality biological samples and research data.