2025 Joint Conference: Where Worlds Align – Biodiversity & Human Biobanks

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2025 Joint Conference: Where Worlds Align – Biodiversity & Human Biobanks

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.

MBirSA Membership

1. Introduction

This document sets out the governance framework for membership to the Medical Biorepositories of South Africa (MBirSA). It defines membership categories, eligibility criteria, the application process, rights and responsibilities, and terms of membership. This governance structure aims to ensure inclusive, equitable, and transparent participation in MBirSA’s activities, in alignment with its mission to support ethical, effective, and sustainable biorepositories in South Africa.

2. Categories of Membership

MBirSA offers four categories of membership:

  1. Biorepository membership
  2. Institutional membership
  3. Individual membership
  4. Associate members
  5. Observer status

2.1 Biorepository Membership

Biorepository membership is open to any biorepository operating within South Africa that supports and aligns with MBirSA’s principles and objectives.

Rights of membership

  • Eligibility to nominate representatives to MBirSA working groups and committees.
  • Opportunity to comment on and vote on any MBirSA consensus statements or other MBirSA policies developed.
  • Access to MBirSA resources, training, and capacity-building activities.

Responsibilities:

  • Commitment to MBirSA’s Code of Conduct
  • Timely payment of membership fees (if applicable).
  • Appointing a designated representative to engage with MBirSA on behalf of the biorepository.
  • To indicate their membership of MBirSA and inclusion of the MBirSA logo on the biorepository website.

2.2 Institutional Membership

Institutional membership is open to South African institutions (e.g., universities, research councils, hospitals) that oversee or house multiple biorepositories.

Becoming a member:

  • The institution applies as a single entity and designates a primary liaison.
  • All biorepositories under the institution’s auspices automatically fall under the membership.

Rights of membership:

  • Eligibility to nominate representatives to MBirSA working groups and committees.
  • Access to MBirSA resources, training, and capacity-building activities.

Responsibilities of membership:

  • Commitment to MBirSA’s Code of Conduct.
  • Timely payment of membership fees (if applicable).
  • Oversight of affiliated biorepositories’ compliance with MBirSA principles
  • Facilitation of internal coordination and communication with MBirSA.
  • To indicate their membership of MBirSA and inclusion of the MBirSA logo on the institution’s website.

2.3 Individual Membership

Individual membership is open to professionals, researchers, ethicists, policy experts, or community advocates with a demonstrated interest in medical biorepositories in South Africa.

Rights of membership:

  • Eligibility to nominate themselves to MBirSA working groups and committees.
  • Access to MBirSA resources, training, and capacity-building activities.

Responsibilities:

  • Commitment to MBirSA’s Code of Conduct.
  • Timely payment of membership fees (if applicable).

2.4 Associate Membership

Associate membership is open to individuals or institutions located outside South Africa who support the aims of MBirSA and wish to collaborate or contribute to its work.

Rights of membership:

  • Eligibility to nominate themselves to MBirSA working groups and committees.
  • Access to MBirSA resources, training, and capacity-building activities.

Responsibilities:

  • Commitment to MBirSA’s Code of Conduct.
  • Timely payment of membership fees (if applicable).
  • To indicate their membership of MBirSA and inclusion of the MBirSA logo on the website.

2.5 Observer status

A biorepository and/or institution that may be considering membership, can join as an observer for one year only.

Rights of observer status:

  • Access to MBirSA resources, training, and capacity-building activities.

Responsibilities:

  • Commitment to MBirSA’s Code of Conduct.
  • Timely payment of observer status membership fees (if applicable).
  • To indicate their membership of MBirSA and inclusion of the MBirSA logo on the website.

3. Application and Admission Process

  1. Applicants must complete the official MBirSA membership application form and submit any supporting documentation as required.
  2. All applications are reviewed by the MBirSA Steering Committee for decision.
  3. Successful applicants will receive formal notification and a welcome package, including the MBirSA Constitution and any applicable membership fees.

4. Duration and Renewal of Membership

Membership remains valid until such time as either the member or MBirSA chooses to terminate it, subject to continued eligibility, active engagement, and payment of membership fees (if applicable).

5. Termination or Suspension of Membership

Membership may be suspended or terminated if:

  • The member is found to be in serious breach of MBirSA’s Constitution or Code of Conduct by the Steering Committee.
  • The biorepository or institution is no longer operational.
  • The member voluntarily withdraws from MBirSA in writing.

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