News
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.
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 2026, 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 2026: 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.
