The 2025 Joint Conference took place from 29 September to 3 October 2025 at the Old Mutual Conference and Exhibition Centre in the world-famous Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town, South Africa.

Co-hosted by the International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER) and the Global Genome Biodiversity Network (GGBN), and supported by SANBI, BBSA, and MBirSA, the event brought together global experts from the fields of biodiversity and human biobanking. The programme featured a packed schedule of talks, workshops, and opportunities to exchange ideas.

The theme, “Where Worlds Align: Biodiversity and Human Biobanks. Same, but Different,” reflected the aim of creating links between these two fields. Through keynote speeches, technical sessions, and panel discussions, the event highlighted shared challenges, explored different approaches, and encouraged fresh ways of thinking.

Delegates heard from leading voices in biobanking, discovered the latest technologies, and connected with professionals and organisations from around the world. The conference provided a rare opportunity to build stronger ties between the environmental and health research communities.

The 2025 Joint Conference spotlighted new research, inspired innovation, and encouraged cooperation across disciplines, driving progress in both biodiversity and human health biobanking.

The cost to attend the joint conference was significantly lower than typical international conference fees, and participants from upper-middle and lower-middle income countries received an additional substantial discount. A fully hybrid online registration option was also available, allowing participants to join from anywhere, in real-time and online.

Prof Michelle Hamer was welcomed as the GGBN keynote speaker. An Honorary Associate Professor at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Prof Hamer is a respected name in biodiversity science. From 2009 to 2024, she held key roles at the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), leading the creation of the Natural Science Collections Facility and Biodiversity Biobanks South Africa. Her work spanned academia, museum collections, and national strategy, with a strong publication record in invertebrate taxonomy and conservation.

The late Dr Paul Bartels, who had been scheduled to deliver a keynote, was honoured with a special In Memoriam Tribute Session during the conference. A pioneer in wildlife biobanking, Dr Bartels played a leading role in founding the Wildlife Biological Resource Centre and the National Wildlife Biobank. His recent work focused on cellular agriculture and cryopreservation, advancing conservation through innovation. His legacy continued to guide and inspire the biobanking community.

Cape Town was a popular destination with plenty of accommodation options. Delegates were encouraged to book early to secure their spots.

The city was easy to get around, but it was advisable to plan airport transfers and daily travel to the venue in advance.

The CHM Biobank at North-West University was Africa’s first biobank dedicated to rare diseases. Established in 2019 as part of the National Metabolomics Platform (NMP), it builds on work started in 1983 at the Potchefstroom Laboratory for Inborn Errors of Metabolism (PLIEM). It began with just three samples and today holds samples from more than 834 participants, making it a key contributor to rare disease research on the continent.

Its focus has always been on rare diseases, especially inborn errors of metabolism. The biobank collects blood, urine, and DNA samples, primarily from individuals affected by rare genetic disorders, with the majority of samples linked to inborn errors of metabolism. These samples support a wide range of research, including genetic testing, the development and optimisation of diagnostic methods, understanding disease patterns, and participation in genome studies such as Whole Exome and Whole Genome Sequencing.

What makes the CHM Biobank unique is that it’s the first of its kind in Africa focused on rare diseases. It holds broad consent for research and is working toward ISO 20387 accreditation. It also aims to become a training hub for biobank operations in Africa, sharing its expertise with others on the continent.

The biobank plays an important role in making advanced diagnostics more accessible. In collaboration with DIPLOMICS and the NMP, it supports a national study to bring genetic testing capabilities into South Africa. This reduces the need to send samples overseas and speeds up diagnosis for patients.

The CHM Biobank also stores the South African samples for the International Centre for Genomic Medicine in Neuromuscular Diseases (ICGNMD) study. It receives research requests from local and international researchers, including partners like the Mayo Clinic.

As part of the MBirSA network, the biobank benefits from shared expertise, improved infrastructure, and national visibility. This helps it to expand sample collection across all provinces, strengthen ethical and data standards, and increase its impact through new collaborations.

Future plans include more research on rare diseases, increased public awareness, and further support for international partnerships. With help from MBirSA, the CHM Biobank is growing its contribution to both local and global research — and helping to make sure African patients are part of the future of precision medicine.

From October 30th to November 1st, the MBirSA Summer School welcomed professionals, academics, and students eager to expand their knowledge of biobanking and connect with others in the field. By the end of the event, attendees left with practical skills, fresh ideas, and meaningful connections that will positively impact their work.

One of the key highlights of the program was the hands-on workshops. Participants learned about Biobab LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) and explored how different biobanks manage their operations. Sessions also introduced cutting-edge technologies like AI-powered specimen tracking and automated storage solutions. These tools, along with lessons on following standardized procedures, help ensure that biospecimens are collected, stored, and managed accurately and reliably.

Ethical and legal topics were another important focus. Participants gained insights into critical issues such as data protection, informed consent, and compliance with biobanking regulations, all of which are essential for building trust and meeting international standards.

The Summer School wasn’t just about education—it also laid the foundation for a stronger biobanking community in South Africa. Attendees learned how forming partnerships and maintaining collaboration can improve the success of biobanks. Many participants are now looking to encourage their organizations to join the MBirSA Network, recognising the benefits of connecting with other biorepositories.

By joining the network, biobanks gain access to shared knowledge, training, and professional development opportunities. MBirSA hopes these efforts will help create a more standardised and innovative approach to biobanking across the country.

The event also provided informal networking opportunities through activities like a Game Reserve tour and relaxing evenings at the shebeen. These moments allowed participants to connect on a personal level, leading to lasting collaborations. Many attendees continue to stay in touch through WhatsApp groups and other platforms. One participant shared, “I connected with incredible people and hope to build long-term partnerships that will enhance my work.”

Looking Ahead: MBirSA’s Ongoing Mission

MBirSA is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of biorepositories and the advantages of joining a national network. By offering training and support to researchers and biobank managers, MBirSA is working toward standardising biobanking practices and promoting collaboration.

The high demand for this first workshop shows the need for more events like this. MBirSA’steam is already planning a follow-up workshop next year, with plans to expand the format and location to reach even more people.

The MBirSA Summer School was a huge success, giving participants practical knowledge, innovative ideas, and valuable connections. It was a great platform for learning and collaboration, helping advance biobanking practices in South Africa while strengthening the foundation for a national biobanking network.

A Crucial Resource for Research and Collaboration

The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) National Biobank, founded in 2012, was established in response to a growing need for accessible and ethically managed biological samples to support research within South Africa (SA). Prior to its formation, NHLS researchers often relied on international and private biorepositories for the storage of research samples. The establishment of the National Biobank has been a transformative development for the country, providing a local solution that has helped limit the transfer of samples across borders and, crucially, maintain control over their ethical use. 

The primary aim of the NHLS National Biobank is to support research related to disease prevention, diagnostics, and management, particularly in the context of SA’s unique health challenges. From its inception, the Biobank has steadily expanded its collections, accommodating both public and private entities. It has also attracted international attention, particularly from institutions in the United Kingdom conducting clinical trials in SA. This evolution has allowed the Biobank to grow into a vital resource, not only for the country but also for global research endeavours.

Unique Features and Capabilities

The NHLS National Biobank is a population-based biobank, with a broad biobanking scope that serves a diverse pool of researchers. The Biobank operates under a quality management system that aligns with both ISO 9001:2015 and the new biobank-specific ISO 20387 standard. This focus on quality assurance ensures that the Biobank offers a comprehensive service throughout the biobanking cycle.

Moreover, the Biobank’s personnel bring a wealth of expertise to their roles. The team includes professionals with advanced qualifications that are not commonly found in other biobanking institutions. Among them are South Africa’s first MSc in Biobanking graduate, a PhD in bioethics and health law with a specialisation in ethico-legal biobank research, and various national and international committee members contributing to the development of best practices and standards in biobanking.

Specimen Collection and Usage

The NHLS National Biobank houses an extensive range of biological specimens. These include serum, plasma, buffy coat, urine samples, genomic material, tuberculosis (TB) microbank samples, dried blood spot (DBS) samples, and histology and cytology slides. These specimens play a critical role in supporting research in both communicable and non-communicable diseases, aligning with the national health research priorities of South Africa. The variety and quality of the collections ensure that researchers have access to the essential resources needed to conduct studies that advance understanding in these critical areas.

Contributing to Medical Breakthroughs

One of the most notable achievements of the NHLS National Biobank is its ISO 9001:2015 certification, the first of its kind for an African biobank. This certification, obtained in 2019, underscores the Biobank’s commitment to maintaining a high standard of quality across its operations. The robustness of its quality management system ensures that the materials it provides for research are of the highest standard, contributing to downstream medical advances.

Additionally, the Biobank played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic. It stored samples that were instrumental in the analysis leading to the discovery of a novel COVID virus strain, highlighting its importance in responding to emerging global health threats.

Collaboration and Ethical Governance

Collaboration is at the heart of the NHLS National Biobank’s operations. Its inclusion in the MBirSA network, a collaboration of biorepositories, enhances its ability to work with key stakeholders both within and outside South Africa. These collaborations are governed by a robust regulatory and ethical framework that ensures all engagements adhere to national and international standards. This includes the use of material transfer agreements (MTAs), service level agreements (SLAs), and compliance with relevant regulatory instruments.

This commitment to ethical governance is paramount, ensuring that all sample usage is conducted in a manner that respects the integrity of the research and the participants.

Future Growth and the Role of MBirSA

Looking to the future, the NHLS National Biobank is committed to continued expansion and innovation. It aims to increase its collaboration with researchers, both locally and internationally, through the MBirSA network. This expansion will allow the Biobank to raise awareness of its resources among researchers, which could lead to new partnerships and collaborative research efforts. 

Additionally, the NHLS National Biobank plans to increase its publication output, helping to showcase the valuable research being conducted using its samples. Through its participation in MBirSA, the Biobank will also have access to a network of resources that can support disaster management, ensuring the long-term stability and success of its operations.

The NHLS National Biobank has emerged as a key player in the biobanking landscape of South Africa and beyond. With its strong foundations in quality management, ethical compliance, and collaboration, it is well-positioned to continue playing a pivotal role in advancing medical research for the benefit of all.

Biobanking, a cornerstone of modern biomedical research, has seen significant growth worldwide, including across Africa. The proliferation of biobanks is key to advancing both basic and translational research, with the potential to develop novel treatments and disease prevention strategies. However, as this field expands, there are important challenges and opportunities to address, particularly in the African context.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the current state of African biobanks and their influence on research, Sandra Nanyonga, student at Universite Côte d’Azur with the support of Dr Zisis Kozlakidis, Head of Biobanking and Laboratory Services at IARC/WHO, Lyon, France and Dr Daniel Simeon-Dubach, biobank consultant, Walchwil Switzerland, is conducting an important survey. This survey is part of a study which will then be refined and expanded to a wider audience. The aim is to assess the progress, challenges, and opportunities in biobanking across Africa, ultimately providing insights to inform targeted solutions and support the African biobanking community.

Biobanks provide researchers with access to a wide variety of heterogeneous samples and data, streamlining research efforts and reducing the time and resources required for collection, storage, and maintenance. However, to maximise the potential of biobanks in Africa, several prerequisites must be met. These include ensuring broad, fair, and equitable access to samples and data, while also addressing ethical concerns such as privacy and confidentiality. The Human Heredity and Health in Africa (H3Africa) initiative is an example of how scientific collaborations can help achieve these goals.

In recent years, Africa has seen a substantial increase in the number of biorepositories, with some regions implementing biobanking guidelines that have significantly improved regulatory oversight and management practices. These developments signal a promising future for biobanking on the continent. However, there is still much to be done to address the unique challenges faced by African biobanks and to capitalise on the opportunities they present.

The insights gained from this survey will be instrumental in developing strategies to address existing challenges and leverage opportunities for the growth of biobanking in Africa. 

We are reaching out to our network to request your participation in this survey. 

The Nngwe Project is a ground-breaking new initiative being launched at Rare-X 2024. Nngwe will aim to address the plight of rare disease patients in South Africa, particularly those with undiagnosed conditions.

The Nngwe Project is a collaborative effort, pioneered by DIPLOMICS (Distributed Platform in OMICS) and funded by the Department of Science and Innovation. It is aligned with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, specifically focusing on Principle Two – ensuring that no one is left behind.

“The Nngwe Project recognises the critical need for action in situations where a child is born into poverty, discrimination, and exclusion, facing the challenges of a rare undiagnosed disease that affects their life expectancy and quality, and which subjects them to a life of stigmatisation and isolation,” says Prof. Chris Vorster, Nngwe Programme Director.

The project’s mission is to unite clinicians and scientists in improving care for rare disease patients. Although individually rare, the combined prevalence of the over 6,000 described conditions presents a significant healthcare challenge. “While individual efforts by clinicians and scientists have been commendable, a coordinated, collective approach is essential to reshape the destinies of these patients,” says Prof. Vorster.

The Nngwe Project is inviting clinicians and scientists to sign the Nngwe Pledge, committing to sharing data, knowledge, and resources for the greater good. Participation in Nngwe is free, and the project will provide participants with resources, training, software, and IT infrastructure to facilitate information sharing and communication. “The diagnostic odyssey for many rare disease patients can be shortened when data is rapidly released and shared across a network of participating clinicians and scientists,” says Prof. Vorster.

The Nngwe Project will officially be launched at Rare-X 2024, the third Biennial Rare Diseases Conference, taking place in Johannesburg from February 14 to 17, 2024.