Strengthening biobank use: a major challenge for biomedical research

Biobanks are the hidden bottom of the iceberg of healthcare progress. Despite their crucial role in advancing research, they remain underused, underfunded and underrecognized.

From their early, improvised beginnings to today’s highly professional infrastructures, biobanks have undergone a remarkable transformation. Yet, this evolution has not fully resonated outside their walls. Researchers, clinicians, patients, and funders remain only partially engaged, even though all these communities are both contributors to and beneficiaries of the biobanking ecosystem.

The BBRL platform (BioBank and Research Laboratory) at the CHU UCL Namur aims to accelerate translational research, bridging fundamental research and clinical practice. Dr. Morgane Canonne, head of the Research Laboratory, Dr. Fabienne George, coordinator of the Biobank and Prof. Carlos Graux, manager of the Biobank, recently published a review entitled A message to biobanks: get the word out or be out in Discover Health Systems.

Drawing on over 15 years of biobanking expertise and experience, the authors put forward communication as a powerful driver of change. They outline tailored messages for each stakeholder and propose strategies to communicate them effectively. The review explores how communication can boost outreach, foster collaboration and wider engagement, and ensure sustainability of biobanks.

Contact: bbrl@chuuclnamur.uclouvain.be