The 2025 Joint Biobanking Conference will take place from 29 September to 3 October 2025 at the Old Mutual Conference and Exhibition Centre, located within the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town.
Co-hosted by the Global Genome Biodiversity Network (GGBN), the International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER), and Medical Biorepositories of South Africa (MBirSA), the conference will bring together scientists, researchers, and conservation experts from around the world to explore advances in biobanking, with a special emphasis on biodiversity.
Under the theme “Where worlds align: biodiversity and human biobanks. Same, but different,” the event aims to spotlight the growing importance of biodiversity biobanks. In this context, biobanking refers to the careful collection, storage, and management of biological materials from plants, animals, and microorganisms, along with their genetic and ecological data. These biodiversity biobanks play a vital role in conservation efforts by preserving genetic diversity, supporting endangered species recovery, and enabling long-term environmental research.
Exploring Innovations in Biodiversity Biobanking
The conference will focus on the latest developments in sample collection, preservation techniques, and data management specific to biodiversity. Participants will discuss how to maintain the integrity of sensitive specimens over long periods, ensure proper documentation, and make data accessible for global research collaborations.
Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, will also be explored for their potential to analyse complex biodiversity data and support predictive models that inform conservation strategies. Key discussions will address standards for accreditation, quality assurance, and ethical considerations in managing biodiversity resources responsibly.
Global Collaboration and African Leadership
Cape Town, situated in one of the world’s richest biodiversity hotspots, provides an ideal backdrop for this global gathering. The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, where the conference will be held, symbolises the very ecosystems biodiversity biobanks aim to protect.
The 2025 Joint Biobanking Conference promises to be a pivotal moment for the global biodiversity community. As scientists and conservationists gather in Cape Town, they will shape the future of biodiversity biobanking and strengthen international collaboration to safeguard the planet’s natural heritage for generations to come.
