IARC, UNESCO, and BBMRI-ERIC open call for applications to new Workshop Series on biobanking

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the Biobanking and BioMolecular resources Research Infrastructure–European Research Infrastructure Consortium (BBMRI-ERIC) are calling for applicants to participate in a new Workshop Series on biobanking. This UNESCO–BBMRI-ERIC–WHO/IARC Workshop Series provides an in-depth introduction to the core dimensions of contemporary biobanking.

The series is designed for early- to mid-career researchers who are based in Ukraine, countries in Africa, or Small Island Developing States (SIDS), who work in the biomedical and medical sciences, and whose work involves, or will involve, the use of human biological samples and associated data for research purposes. It is particularly relevant for researchers who are currently working with, or planning to engage with, biobanks and biobanking infrastructures.

Participants will acquire both foundational knowledge and practical tools to support responsible, high-quality, and trustworthy biobanking in diverse contexts, through a combination of conceptual input, practical examples, and interactive discussion. The training will take place over six one-hour sessions from 27 May to 29 June 2026.

The series offers a comprehensive overview of sustainable and inclusive biobanking practices, federated information technology (IT) infrastructures and artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled tools, quality management systems, trustworthy AI in biobanking, and patient and public involvement (PPI), while also offering a practical exploration of the role of biobanking in cancer research.

The deadline for applications is 18 May 2026.

Apply to participate in the UNESCO–BBMRI-ERIC–WHO/IARC Workshop Series 

View the list of Small Island Developing States