News
October 6, 2026: Metrology Course – Training within the BBMRI.sk National Biobank Network
On 6 October 2026, members of the BBMRI.sk network had the opportunity to participate in an online Metrology course organised by the coordination office of the BBMRI.sk national platform. The training was led by the experienced lecturer Ing. Peter Maček from CeMS.
BBMRI.sk as a national node was represented by 𝟲 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝟭𝟲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀. They joined the training to expand their knowledge of metrology and its practical applications. The course provided valuable insights into metrology principles, relevant legislation, measurement accuracy, measurement uncertainty, and the implementation of metrological procedures in practice.
The course also covered topics related to identifying measurement instrument errors, assessing compliance with defined specifications, and effectively applying metrological principles within quality management systems. The knowledge gained will help participants further strengthen the quality of biobanking processes within their organizations.
Continuous education and the development of professional competencies are essential for building high-quality and reliable biobanks in Slovakia. Investing in knowledge and sharing expertise contribute to improving the quality of biological samples and associated data, while supporting excellence in biomedical research.
A special thank you to the instructor, Ing. Peter Maček, for his excellent preparation and for tailoring the course content to the specific needs of biobanking, effectively linking metrology principles with the requirements of 𝗜𝗦𝗢 𝟮𝟬𝟯𝟴𝟳. We also thank 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 for their active engagement and valuable discussions throughout the course.
We are already looking forward to further training opportunities within national node of biobanks BBMRI.sk. Preparations are currently underway for the Internal Auditor Course, which will take place in November 2026.
September 30, 2026: New Position Available at the National Biobank JFM CU
The National Biobank JFM CU is currently recruiting for the position of Researcher.
Applications, together with all required documents, must be submitted to the Dean’s Office by 8 October 2026 at 2:00 PM.
For more information, please visit the link below:
September 25, 2026: European Researchers’ Night in Martin
The National Biobank JFM CU took part in the European Researchers’ Night, which attracted strong interest from pupils and students from three primary schools and one secondary school.
A total of 140 visitors participated in a guided tour of the biobank, where they learned how biological samples are collected, processed, and stored for long-term use in scientific research. As part of an interactive competition, participants had the opportunity to learn how to collect a sample, label it correctly, and safely store it in the biobank.
The programme also featured the event “How Difficult Is It to Save a Life?”, organized by Prof. Jana Plevková, MD, PhD, from the Centre for Support of Medical Education at the Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin. Participants were introduced to the basics of first aid, learned how to respond appropriately in emergency situations, and had the opportunity to practice life-saving skills.
We would like to thank all pupils, students, teachers, and partners who took part in this event. We are delighted by the strong interest of young people in science, healthcare, and research. We hope that their visit to the biobank was both inspiring and educational, and perhaps even the first step toward a future career in science.
September 24, 2026: BBMRI.sk Represented at the Integrative Oncology VI Conference
At the Integrative Oncology VI conference, organized by the Cancer Research Foundation in cooperation with the Slovak National Gallery, Romana Záhumenská represented the National Biobank of Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University and BBMRI.sk. The event brought together the latest developments in oncology research, personalized medicine, molecular diagnostics, biomarkers, and the application of artificial intelligence in healthcare. The program also featured topics focused on public health, systemic innovation, and comprehensive cancer care.
Participation in such expert forums highlights the essential role of biobanks in modern biomedical research. High-quality biological samples and associated data provide the foundation for the identification of new biomarkers, the advancement of personalized medicine, and future scientific discoveries. The knowledge gained, professional discussions, and new collaborations established during the conference represent an important contribution to the further development of biobanking infrastructure and research cooperation in Slovakia.
We would like to thank the organizers and all speakers for creating a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, both of which are crucial for the future of oncology research.
September 23, 2026: Signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation Between Slovak Research Infrastructures
A Memorandum of Cooperation between BBMRI.sk, EATRIS-SK, ELIXIR Slovakia, and SLOVACRIN was formally signed during the International Conference on Biobanking and Translational Medicine 2026 (ICBBTM 2026). This important milestone establishes a stronger framework for future collaboration and joint activities among four key and complementary pillars of biomedical research in Slovakia.
By signing the memorandum, the partners reaffirmed their shared vision of building a harmonized and interconnected research environment that supports scientific excellence, the efficient use of expertise and resources, and the advancement of innovation for the benefit of public health in Slovakia. The collaboration aims to connect biological resources, data infrastructure, translational research, and clinical studies, enabling more effective translation of scientific knowledge into practice.
The memorandum also represents a commitment to strengthening cooperation, sharing expertise, and building strong partnerships that will contribute to the advancement of Slovak science and its active integration into the European Research Area. The joint activities are expected to create new opportunities for researchers, research teams, and healthcare professionals, while accelerating the translation of scientific discoveries into improved patient care.
September 23 – 25, 2026: Conference ICBBTM 2026
The International Conference on Biobanking and Translational Medicine (ICBBTM 2026) has successfully concluded after 3 inspiring days of scientific discussions, networking, and collaboration.
As co-organizers of the conference, BBMRI.sk and EATRIS-SK welcomed leading experts, representatives of European research infrastructures, and researchers from Slovakia and abroad. We had the honour of hearing a keynote lecture by Jens K. Habermann, General Director of BBMRI-ERIC, as well as insightful presentations from the directors of national biobank networks in neighbouring countries: Helmuth Haslacher (Austria), Roman Hrstka (Czech Republic), and Giedrė Kvedaravičienė (Lithuania). The Hungarian national biobank network BBMRI.hu was represented by Anett Dancs.
The conference provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and for strengthening collaboration in the fields of biobanking, translational medicine, personalized medicine, and biomedical research.
ICBBTM 2026 also highlighted the importance of supporting the next generation of researchers. Outstanding young scientists were recognized through the Young Scientist Awards, and a new partnership was established with INOVIA to further promote scientific talent and innovation.
BBMRI.sk would like to thank all speakers, partners, sponsors, participants, and members of the organizing committee whose dedication, expertise, and enthusiasm contributed to the success of ICBBTM 2026.
September 22, 2026: BBMRI-ERIC General Director Prof. Jens K. Habermann Attends the Meeting of the BBMRI.sk National Biobank Network
The National Biobank JFM CU in Martin hosted the regular monthly meeting of BBMRI.sk members. The main scientific topic of the meeting, biobank laboratory information systems, was presented by Jozef Gajdoš from Louis Pasteur University Hospital in Košice and Marián Mižik from the National Biobank JFM CU.
During the meeting, members of the BBMRI.sk National Node Office delivered presentations covering ELSI (Ethical, Legal and Social Issues), Quality Management, IT, Public Relations and Education. They provided updates on the activities, projects, and tasks carried out over the past period and outlined upcoming initiatives, including the Genome of Europe and EIDIPESERO projects, the Biological Material Storage Agreement, and the development of business plans for BBMRI.sk members.
The meeting also included the 2nd session of the BBMRI.sk Coordination Committee, during which observer status within the BBMRI.sk Association was approved.
The afternoon program featured a visit from representatives of BBMRI-ERIC, led by General Director Jens K. Habermann. Together with Filomena Nogueira and Helmuth Haslacher, they met with BBMRI.sk members and partners, who introduced their institutions, areas of expertise, and ongoing activities. The meeting provided an excellent opportunity for exchanging experiences and discussing future cooperation within the European research infrastructure. The visit concluded with a tour of the biobank facilities.
September 14 – 18, 2026: Health Data School at the Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin
From 14 to 18 September 2026, the Health Data School JLF UK, an intensive five-day training program, took place at the Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Martin. The course was held under the auspices of the Minister of Health of the Slovak Republic, Kamil Šaško, with the support of Dean Andrea Čalkovská. Financial support was provided by EATRIS-SK (Erika Halašová) and BBMRI.sk (Zuzana Danková).
Led by experts from Codebridge College, the program offered participants hands-on training in health data analysis, biostatistics, data processing and visualization, survival models, machine learning, and artificial intelligence using the Python programming language. The course was designed for researchers, physicians, PhD students, healthcare professionals, and medical students, with no prior programming experience required.
The program also included a practical Data Hackathon, where participants had the opportunity to apply their newly acquired knowledge to real-world data challenges. The main objective of the course was to develop skills essential for modern biomedical research and to promote the adoption of data-driven approaches in healthcare.
We are delighted that our colleague Romana Záhumenská, Deputy Director of BBMRI.sk from the National Biobank of Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, also participated in this inspiring international educational programme.
September 9-11, 2026: Dr. Romana Záhumenská Presented at the Brno Oncology Days 2026
Dr. Romana Záhumenská represented BBMRI-ERIC at this year’s Brno Oncology Days (9 – 11 September) as an invited speaker in the dedicated session Data and Biobanking Not Only in Oncology.
Her presentation focused on critical aspects at the intersection of data management, biobanking, and their practical application in modern oncology. She highlighted the importance of standardization and cross-border collaboration in providing access to high-quality biological samples and associated data for medical research. Participation in this prestigious event reconfirmed BBMRI.sk active role in connecting research communities and advancing precision medicine across Central Europe.
September 9-11, 2026: BBMRI.sk at the EATRIS-CONNECT Summer School
Representatives of BBMRI.sk participated in the EATRIS-CONNECT Summer School organised by the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy and IRYCIS through the EATRIS-CONNECT project in Ljubljana, Slovenia (9-11 September 2026), which focused on digital transformation in personalised medicine and biomedical research. As part of the programme, Zuzana Danková, National Director of BBMRI.sk, presented Connecting Biospecimens and Data: Biobanking for Precision Medicine, while Ing. Marián Mižik, IT Specialist, delivered a lecture entitled From Records to Knowledge: Data Semantics and Normalization for Interoperable Biomedical Research.
June 9-11, 2026: Inspirational visit to biobanks in Vienna and Brno
On 9–11 June 2026, members of the BBMRI.sk National Node office had the opportunity—thanks to collaboration with BBMRI.cz – Síť českých biobank and BBMRI.at—to visit three leading biobank institutions: the Biobank der Medizinischen Universität Wien (MedUni Wien) and, in Brno, RECETOX, Přírodovědecká fakulta Masarykovy univerzity and the Masarykův onkologický ústav (MOÚ).
In Vienna, the scale of the biobank (over 4 million samples and more than 100 collections) was presented, alongside a strong emphasis on quality, process standardization, and green biobanking principles. The programme also included insights into the practical use of samples, reproducibility, and workflows from sample intake to distribution.
At RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, a population-based approach (CELSPAC) was introduced, focusing on long-term health monitoring, data integration, and the use of automation, miniaturization, and efficient sample processing.
At the Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute (MOÚ), participants had the opportunity to observe the integration of biobanking with clinical practice, comprehensive quality management, project-driven operations, and a strong focus on communication, reporting, and building public trust.
Such professional visits contribute to the exchange of knowledge and highlight the importance of quality, data, and effective collaboration in biobanking.
June 1, 2026: Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University completes the BIOFORD project and strengthens biobanking in Slovakia
Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Martin has successfully completed the BIOFORD project, which significantly advances systemic biobanking in Slovakia. The final consortium meeting took place on Monday, June 1, 2026, at the Biobank for Cancer and Rare Diseases in Martin.
The project focused on building a modern biobanking infrastructure and implementing a unified system for the collection, processing, and storage of biological samples in accordance with international standards. It also contributed to linking clinical practice with research, thereby accelerating the development of diagnostics and personalized treatment. The Biobank of JLF UK now represents a top-tier national facility that systematically collects biological material for research on oncological and rare diseases.
Seven Slovak institutions collaborated on the project, each responsible for implementing its respective activities – Comenius University (Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin and the Faculty of Medicine in Bratislava), the Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic, the National Cancer Institute, the University of Žilina, the Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, the Center of Social and Psychological Sciences of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, and the National Institute of Rheumatic Diseases. The project was co-financed by the European Union, with a total budget of approximately €18 million. The completion of BIOFORD has provided Slovakia with a strong foundation for further development of modern medicine and international scientific cooperation.
May 19–22, 2026: BBMRI.sk partners at the Europe Biobank Week 2026 congress in Prague
Representatives of BBMRI.sk took part in the prestigious international event Europe Biobank Week (EBW26), which was held from May 19–22, 2026, in Prague. This event is among the most important conferences in the field of biobanking and annually brings together experts from academia, healthcare, and industry. EBW26 hosted more than 700 participants from dozens of countries, confirming its position as a key platform for discussing current topics such as data sharing, the quality of biological samples, ethical issues, and the digitalisation of biobanking. BBMRI.sk, as the Slovak national node of the European research infrastructure BBMRI-ERIC, used this opportunity to present its activities and strengthen international collaboration. An expert poster titled “Role of Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, in Establishing Systematic Biobanking in Slovakia” was also presented by Dr. Romana Záhumenská. The participation of BBMRI.sk at EBW26 also highlights Slovakia’s active involvement in the European biobanking community and its effort to contribute to addressing current challenges in this field. Networking, expert discussions, and the presentation of research results create opportunities for new partnerships and projects that can enhance the quality and accessibility of biomedical research. BBMRI.sk confirms its growing role in international collaboration and its commitment to helping shape the future of biobanking in Europe.
15 May 2026, Martin: Start of biobanking of samples from nationwide screening
The Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, and the Regional Public Health Authority in Banská Bystrica have signed a cooperation agreement in the field of biobanking of biological samples collected during screening of risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases.
Thanks to this collaboration, blood samples obtained during population screening will be safely stored in the Biobank for Cancer and Rare Diseases in Martin and made available for further research. This approach significantly increases the scientific value of screening activities while also supporting the development of personalized medicine in Slovakia.
More information is available at this link.
16 April 2026, Martin: BBMRI.sk at the TEF-HEALTH Node Slovakia Conference
On 16 April 2026, the topic of biobanking formed part of the programme of the TEF-HEALTH Node Slovakia conference. BBMRI.sk was represented at the event by Mgr. Gabriela Dabenini, who presented the processes and potential of the Biobank for Cancer and Rare Diseases in Martin (Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University Bratislava), as well as the national infrastructure BBMRI.sk itself within the broader European context of BBMRI-ERIC.
The presentation highlighted the importance of biobanking processes as an essential component of innovative and technological solutions that have a significant impact on the development of modern healthcare in Slovakia and across the wider European area.
More information is available at this link
13–15 April 2026, Czech Republic & Germany: BBMRI.sk at an International Biobanking Study Tour
From 13 to 15 April 2026, representatives of the BBMRI.sk network participated in the international biobanking study tour Biobanking Tour, organised by BioVendor Group. Together with representatives of BBMRI.cz, they visited biobanks and research institutions in Prague, Dresden, and Heidelberg.
The programme focused on modern biobanking processes, automation, standardisation, quality management, IT solutions, and support for translational research.
The study tour confirmed the importance of international collaboration and the sharing of expertise within the BBMRI-ERIC network and provided valuable insights for the further development of biobanking in Slovakia.
More information is available at this link.
14 April 2026: Memorandum of Cooperation with AOPP Strengthens the Voice of Patients in Research
Comenius University Bratislava – Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, as the national node of BBMRI.sk, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Association for the Protection of Patients’ Rights (AOPP). This step represents an important milestone in connecting the patient perspective with the fields of biobanking, biomedical research, and science, not only at the national but also at the international level.
At the same time, AOPP became a full member of the Stakeholder Forum – Patients Pillar within BBMRI-ERIC. The aim of this initiative is to strengthen the connection between research activities and the real needs of society while supporting the active involvement of patients in research processes.
We look forward to future cooperation and to new opportunities that will contribute to the development of patient-centred research.
More information is available at this link and here on the website of AOPP in Slovak.
10 April 2026, Bratislava: BBMRI.sk at the Digital Health Slovakia Forum Conference
On Friday, 10 April 2026, Marián Mižik, IT Coordinator of BBMRI.sk from the Biobank for Cancer and Rare Diseases (Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University Bratislava), presented the activities of the Slovak national node of BBMRI-ERIC focused on achieving data interoperability in biobanking. The presentation was delivered as part of the Digital Health Slovakia Forum conference.
In his presentation, he addressed issues related to data quality, harmonisation, and governance, as well as the major challenges of interoperability within the national and European research environment.
He also introduced internal software solutions developed within BBMRI.sk that support data interoperability and the implementation of FAIR principles across the Slovak biobank network, including a dedicated portal developed specifically for BBMRI.sk partners and connected to the BBMRI-ERIC Directory sample catalogue database.
The presented activities highlighted the importance of targeted IT support and collaboration in building a sustainable and interconnected biobanking ecosystem in Europe.
More information is available at this link.
23–24 March 2026, Online: External Training on the Implementation of ISO 20387 for BBMRI.sk Partners
BBMRI.sk network followed up on its previous internal training by participating in an external two-days professional course focused on the implementation of the ISO 20387 standard – Biotechnology: Biobanking. The training was organised in cooperation with GENERI BIOTECH s.r.o. and was intended for biobanks of all partners within the Slovak National Biobanking Infrastructure BBMRI.sk.
Representatives of Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Louis Pasteur University Hospital Košice, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University Bratislava, National Cancer Institute Bratislava, F. D. Roosevelt University Hospital with Polyclinic Banská Bystrica, and Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences took part in the educational activity.
We are thankful to lecturer Petra Mrkvičková for two inspiring days filled with expert recommendations, practical experience, and valuable insights that will contribute to the further improvement of quality and the professionalisation of biobanking processes within BBMRI.sk.
More information is available at this link.
19 March 2026, Online: Internal Training on the ISO 20387: Biotechnology — Biobanking Standard for the BBMRI.sk Network
Within the BBMRI.sk network, we organised a professional internal training session focused on the ISO 20387 – Biotechnology: Biobanking standard. The training for partners was prepared and led by BBMRI.sk Quality Manager Lenka Kohútková. The ISO 20387 standard represents a fundamental pillar of high-quality, trustworthy, and standardised biobanking, and understanding its principles is essential for the further development of biobanks in Slovakia.
The training contributed to the harmonisation of procedures, strengthened shared understanding, and supported the further professionalisation of the national network. BBMRI.sk activities are long-term focused on knowledge sharing, capacity building, and fostering collaboration in accordance with the principles of the European infrastructure BBMRI-ERIC.
In the coming period, we plan to follow up on these topics through additional professional training with an external partner, aimed at providing a deeper understanding of the requirements of the ISO 20387 standard and related processes.
More information is available at this link.
24 February 2026, Martin: Biobanking and Artificial Intelligence – MedAI CZ–SK International Seminar
A presentation entitled “Biobanks as a Data Infrastructure for Artificial Intelligence in Biomedicine” was delivered by Assoc. Prof. RNDr. Zuzana Danková, PhD., Director of the national node BBMRI.sk, at the MedAI CZ–SK seminar held on 24 February 2026. In her presentation, she explained how biobanks enable the creation of high-quality datasets essential for the advancement of biomedical research based on artificial intelligence.
The event highlighted the growing impact of artificial intelligence, telemedicine, and digitalisation in healthcare and featured contributions from experts representing Slovak and Czech medical and technical universities. The seminar also included a panel discussion focused on medical education in the era of artificial intelligence.
The seminar was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic and the Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic.
17 December 2025, Martin: The Slovak National Node BBMRI.sk met with its Slovenian partner BBMRI.si
On 17 December 2025, the Slovak national node BBMRI.sk met with its Slovenian partner to exchange experience and expertise.
The delegation, led by Prof. Dr. Uroš Potočnik, presented the structure and activities of the Slovenian node. Discussions focused on funding models, project management, and software solutions.
While Slovenia benefits from its longer-standing membership in BBMRI-ERIC, Slovakia highlighted its strong technical infrastructure. The meeting opened opportunities for closer cooperation and future joint initiatives within the BBMRI-ERIC network.
1 December 2025, Bratislava: Directors of Slovak National Nodes of European Research Infrastructures ERIC gathered at one table
The first meeting of Slovak national nodes of European research infrastructures brought together representatives of BBMRI.sk (Research Infrastructure for Biobanking and Biomolecular Resources), EATRIS-SK (European Infrastructure for Translational Medicine), ELIXIR (European Infrastructure for Biological Information in the Life Sciences), and SLOVACRIN (Slovak Clinical Research Network). The meeting was held under the auspices of the Research and Innovation Authority of the Slovak Republic (VAIA), with the participation of the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic.
This important meeting provided an opportunity to introduce the national nodes, present ongoing activities, and explore possibilities for cooperation. Participants discussed ways to strengthen innovative research in Slovakia through joint initiatives, identified potential synergies, and outlined practical steps towards effective collaboration. The meeting represents a key milestone and the beginning of closer partnerships among Slovak research infrastructures, united by the common goal of supporting excellence and innovation in biomedicine and life sciences.
A LinkedIn post by Ľubomír Šottník from VAIA is available at this link.
19 November 2025, Martin: Students explored the Biobank in Martin during Science and Technology Day
On 19 November 2025, as part of Science and Technology Day, the Biobank for Cancer and Rare Diseases in Martin welcomed motivated biology students for an educational visit. Through a guided tour and expert presentations, the students learned about the storage of biological samples at ultra-low temperatures and gained insight into the crucial role of biobanking in personalised medicine and future biomedical research.
As highlighted by Director Zuzana Danková:
“The visit provided students with a deeper understanding of the scientific process and broadened their perspective on research opportunities. We consider it important to show them how modern biomedicine connects theory with practice and opens the door to a better future from which they themselves will one day benefit.”
This initiative reflects the long-term commitment of Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin to developing cutting-edge research infrastructure and strengthening the connection between education and science.
More information is available at this link.
23 October 2025, Martin: First Meeting of BBMRI.sk Network Partners
The national node BBMRI.sk formally convened its first inaugural meeting on 23 October 2025 at the Biobank in Martin. The meeting represented an important step in building a coordinated biobanking infrastructure in Slovakia.
All founding partners of BBMRI.sk participated in the event: Comenius University Bratislava – Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University Bratislava, National Cancer Institute Bratislava, F. D. Roosevelt University Hospital with Polyclinic Banská Bystrica, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, and Louis Pasteur University Hospital Košice.
During the meeting, the partners jointly defined the vision and mission of the national node, discussed the position of biobanks within other ESFRI infrastructures, carried out a SWOT analysis, and prepared a five-year development plan. They also agreed on regular working meetings and outlined key discussion topics that will guide the further development of BBMRI.sk and support the effective coordination of biobanking activities in Slovakia.
13 October 2025, Martin: EATRIS-SK Kick-off Meeting
Assoc. Prof. RNDr. Zuzana Danková, PhD., Director of BBMRI.sk, participated in the inaugural kick-off meeting of EATRIS-SK, which took place at the Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University Bratislava. The meeting officially launched the activities of the Slovak national node of EATRIS, the European research infrastructure for translational medicine that supports the transfer of scientific discoveries into clinical practice through the integration of research expertise and resources across Europe.
EATRIS focuses on bridging basic research and healthcare and supports the development of diagnostic tools, biomarkers, and innovative therapies. Slovakia became a full member of EATRIS in May 2025, with the Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin serving as the national coordinator, enabling Slovak research infrastructures to participate more actively in European translational research.
The meeting, held in a hybrid format, brought together representatives of research institutions, clinical partners, and policymakers to discuss strategic priorities and international collaboration. From the perspective of biobanking, the event was particularly significant, as it strengthened cooperation between BBMRI.sk and EATRIS-SK, highlighted the role of high-quality biological samples in translational research, and opened new opportunities for Slovak biobanks to participate in European research projects, thereby increasing their visibility and impact.
(Photo: Prof. RNDr. Erika Halašová, PhD., Director of EATRIS-SK and the Biomedical Center for Medicine in Martin, delivering a lecture; the Dean of the Jessenius Faculty – Prof. MUDr. Andrea Čalkovská, DrSc. pictured in profile)
More information is available at this link.
26 June 2025: Slovakia Became a Full Member of the BBMRI-ERIC Consortium
Following a series of successful negotiations, the Slovak Republic became a full member of BBMRI-ERIC (Biobanking and Biomolecular Resources Research Infrastructure – European Research Infrastructure Consortium) in June 2025. BBMRI-ERIC is the largest European research infrastructure dedicated to biobanking.
Membership in this prestigious consortium represents an important milestone for the development of biomedical research in Slovakia. It will enable closer integration of Slovak biobanks with European partners, improve access to international research collaboration, and support the sharing of biological samples, data, and expertise in accordance with the highest ethical and quality standards.
The national node BBMRI.sk is coordinated by the Biobank for Cancer and Rare Diseases of the Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University Bratislava, which ensures the integration of Slovak biobanks and research institutions and coordinates their participation in the European infrastructure BBMRI-ERIC.
More information is available at this link.
