The first Lithuanian Biobanks Forum was held at the Vilnius University Medical Science Centre, where a fully operational national biobank infrastructure was presented. It provides a practical foundation for developing new diagnostic and treatment methods, strengthening the healthcare system, and advancing personalized medicine in Lithuania.
The Lithuanian Biobank Network consists of eight licensed biobanks that collect biological samples and health data from both healthy individuals and patients with various diseases. All of them are members of the international BBMRI-ERIC network, opening opportunities for Lithuanian researchers to participate in international studies.
According to Dr. Giedrė Kvedaravičienė, Director of the Biobank of Lithuanian Population and Rare Disorders, a collaboration-based biobank network is crucial both for preparedness for future pandemics and for addressing challenges related to chronic diseases. The developed infrastructure enables faster and more accurate analysis of health data and the provision of scientifically grounded recommendations based on data from the Lithuanian population.
Dr. Živilė Gudlevičienė, representative of the National Cancer Institute, emphasizes that medical science cannot progress without biobanks. Lithuania already has a comprehensive biobank system that enables high-level scientific research and contributes to the development of a more effective healthcare system.
Scientists and business representatives agree that the success of biobanks depends on public trust and active participation through the donation of biological samples. The greater the public involvement, the more opportunities arise for advances in medical science.
The forum brought together, for the first time, all major Lithuanian biobanks, government institutions, scientists, healthcare professionals, patient organizations, and international experts, who shared their experience on the role of biobanks in modern medicine.
