Portugal has joined the leading European infrastructure dedicated to biobanks and biomolecular resources (Biobanking and Biomolecular Resources Research Infrastructure – European Research Infrastructure Consortium – BBMRI-ERIC), in a joint initiative between the Agency for Clinical Research and Biomedical Innovation (AICIB) and GIMM – Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine (GIMM). AICIB will represent Portugal in the Members’ Assembly and will ensure compliance with the remaining membership responsibilities defined in the statutes. GIMM will also be part of the Members’ Assembly and has been designated as the National Node of BBMRI-ERIC, under the direction of Patrícia Costa Reis and Sérgio Dias.

By joining BBMRI-ERIC, Portugal becomes part of a vast European network of biobanks and biomolecular resources, benefiting from easier access to biological samples, associated data, and specialised services supporting biomedical research. The integration will also strengthen the sharing of knowledge and best practices between Portuguese biobanks and their European counterparts.

Participation in BBMRI-ERIC will further facilitate the involvement of Portuguese institutions in European consortia and projects, as well as access to international funding opportunities.

As the National Node, GIMM will coordinate Portugal’s participation in BBMRI-ERIC, ensuring the connection between the European infrastructure and the National Biobank Network, which it also coordinates. Future activities will include supporting participation in funding applications and the creation of international consortia, sharing best practices, promoting exchange programmes and specialised training in biobanking, and hosting international meetings and events in this field in Portugal.

This membership represents an important milestone in strengthening national clinical and translational research capabilities, promoting greater coordination between Portuguese biobanks and the leading European research networks. By improving access to high-quality biological samples, data, and knowledge, Portugal reinforces its capacity to develop collaborative projects of excellence and respond to emerging challenges in the area of health.