The University of Szeged has been engaged in the collection, preservation, and utilization of biological and medical samples for research and diagnostics. Over time, biobanking activities have continuously changed and developed, primarily focusing on the storage of samples for clinical care and various medical-physiological research projects. Early biobanking activities and repositories were organized around individual research groups, laying the groundwork for the 11 biobank sites that have been operating independently within a regulated framework since 2011.

Biobank Network at the University of Szeged

From the outset, the University of Szeged has focused on developing a unified biobanking system, with clear regulations and a strong quality management framework. These efforts culminated in the establishment of the University of Szeged Biobank Network in 2017, alongside the implementation of a standardized regulatory framework.

In subsequent years, major developments in infrastructure and quality management were undertaken. A new central biobank facility with a large storage capacity was constructed, accompanied by upgrades to building management and engineering systems. These improvements facilitated the expansion, modernization, and automation of storage capacities, ensuring the secure preservation of nearly two million additional samples in line with the latest technological standards.

The University of Szeged Biobank also established contractual collaborations with numerous industrial and academic partners, contributing not only to sample storage but also to the advancement of biobank technologies and instruments.

ISO Standard Ensures Transparency and Reliability

In 2020, the University of Szeged became the first institution in Hungary to join the Biobanking and BioMolecular Resources Research Infrastructure – European Research Infrastructure Consortium (BBMRI-ERIC). The declaration of intent for joining was signed on January 23, 2020. Following this, BBMRI-HUNGARY was established in 2021, with the University of Szeged as a founding member.

Since 2022, the ISO 20387:2018 standard has been implemented, guaranteeing transparency, reliability, and consistently high-quality operations in the biobank.

International Relations

The University of Szeged is internationally recognized for its significant educational and scientific achievements. With the Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School and its Clinical Center, it is one of the key healthcare institutions in the region. As such, it remains strongly committed to fostering international collaborations and research in biobanking, incorporating new scientific advancements and technologies, and widely maximizing their benefits for society.