Biobank

The Biobank of Eurac Research was established in 2011 alongside the launch of the CHRIS longitudinal population study. Since then, biological samples from study participants have been stored at the Merano and Bolzano sites according to the highest standards of quality and safety. In addition to the samples, clinical data, lifestyle information, as well as genetic and demographic data are collected and archived.

For the Institute for Biomedicine, the Biobank represents a key resource, enabling the integration of biological samples and clinical data with modern laboratories and data science analyses. This synergy supports a continuous biomedical research cycle – from sample collection and analysis to the practical application of findings in healthcare. In total, the Biobank can store more than 2.9 million biological samples in various formats (0.2 / 0.5 / 1.0 mL) and at temperatures ranging from +4 °C to −190 °C, across more than 20 storage systems, including refrigerators, freezers, and liquid nitrogen tanks.

The collection and storage of samples and data always occur with participants’ consent, following the principle of dynamic, informed consent, and in full compliance with the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The Biobank maintains the highest security standards, both physical and digital: only authorized and trained personnel have access to the resources, which are stored in secure facilities protected by advanced safety systems.

Biobank resources are also made available to other research institutions through clearly defined procedures. In this way, the Biobank supports not only local research but also international collaborations.

The Biobank of Eurac Research is part of the European BBMRI-ERIC consortium, a research infrastructure for biobanking including biobanks from 23 countries.