Medical University Biobank: Advancing Sustainable National and Global Research
摘要
The Medical University Biobank (MUB) in Moldova is a pioneering effort to establish a standardized, sustainable biomedical research infrastructure in a non-EU, pre-accession country. Aligned with ISO 20387 and inspired by BBMRI-ERIC, the Medical University Biobank strengthens Moldova’s national biobanking framework through phased implementation, emphasizing infrastructure modernization, comprehensive workforce training, digital transformation, and proactive stakeholder engagement. The Biobank Management System enables real-time sample tracking and GDPR-compliant data management, while AI-driven tools for biospecimen classification enhance research efficiency and ethical compliance. Despite significant progress, challenges persist, including limited access to European research networks, fragmented regulatory oversight, underdeveloped ethical governance, insufficient data protection systems, and funding constraints. This paper examines Moldova’s biobanking landscape, highlighting the Medical University Biobank’s adherence to international standards as a replicable model for resource-constrained settings. Through its pivotal role in shaping the 2024 National Biobanking Law and collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the MUB drives policy reform, improves research quality, and fosters cross-border collaboration. By aligning with European biobanking ecosystems, the Medical University Biobank advances global biomedical research and public health, offering a scalable, innovative framework for transitioning nations to develop robust, interoperable biobanking systems that support scientific advancement and health outcomes.