biobank.cy: An island-wide repository
The scientific staff of this operation consists of researchers of a wide spectrum of specialties, including molecular and cell biologists, geneticists and bioinformaticians, in Cyprus and abroad, while a great number of clinicians are involved at various levels, including the recruiting of patients and healthy volunteers and the pursuing of the various projects. The biobanking activity is under strict quality management, aiming to secure data and samples of the highest and trustworthy quality for research. At the same time, all activities comply with the European General Data Protection Regulation, showing respect to ethical, legal and social issues emanating from these activities.
The Biobank for genetic diseases, and a large kidney related research project had started with funding of two million euro for a duration of 4.5 years (2011-2015). The University of Cyprus, as the host organization, is supporting the function of the MMRC infrastructure, while new funding sources are continuously being sought. Samples from MMRC Biobank can be provided to other internal or external researchers upon proper application that requires the submission and evaluation of the research proposal and information about the objectives and experimental procedures.
The Biobank is approved by the Cyprus National Bioethics Committee, EEBK/ΕΠ/2020/04.