Resources

Speaking books

Biobank Speaking books, developed by the South African National Bioinformatics Institute (SANBI), University of Western Cape.

BAOBAB LIMS

Baobab LIMS is open source LIMS for biobanking developed by African and European researchers as part of the Horizon2020 funding framework project “B3Africa”. Baobab LIMS is both Free and Open Source, and Baobab LIMS can be customized to the specific needs of your laboratory. User feedback is utilized for further customizations to meet requirements of a broad biobank community.

For any questions or queries please send an email to help@baobablims.org.

Recordings of webinar series:

Establishing a Medical Biobank Network in SA

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐒𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬, 𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐄𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The ISBER Best Practices, 5th Edition, is now available. This definitive guide to biobanking is offered as a free download or can be purchased as a hard copy on Amazon.

Free Download
Hard Copy
  • 9 November 2023

Overview of the National Scientific Research Collections Platform and the Medical Biobanks Cluster

Watch Video
  • 23 November 2023

Global overview of biobanking and the need for establishing a biobank network

Watch Video
  • 18 January 2024

International biobank research: How local regulations position South Africa on the global data sharing stage

Watch Video
  • 22 February 2024

The Importance of having a Quality Management System (QMS) in the Biobank

Watch Video

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.

Summer School