On August 25, 2026, representatives of the BBMRI.cz research infrastructure—Assoc. Prof. Hrstka and Dr. Nováková, both from the Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute — visited the Veterinary Research Institute (VRI). The joint meeting focused on opportunities for linking veterinary and biomedical research, the development of biobanking, and future professional collaboration.
BBMRI.cz – Biobanking and BioMolecular Resources Research Infrastructure of the Czech Republic – is a major Czech research infrastructure supported by the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports. It comprises biobanks and specialized research facilities that support the high-quality collection, standardization, storage, and use of biological samples and related data for research. BBMRI.cz is also part of the European BBMRI-ERIC infrastructure, which connects biobanks and research facilities across Europe.
During the visit, representatives from BBMRI.cz were introduced to the main research areas at VÚVeL as well as its laboratory and technological facilities. The subsequent discussion focused on opportunities for future collaboration and on the importance of high-quality biological samples and data as a fundamental prerequisite for modern biomedical and veterinary research.
A key topic of the meeting was the integration of veterinary research with the activities of biobanks and biomedical research infrastructures. Biobanks, in particular, can provide a vital foundation for the systematic handling of biological samples, their long-term storage, standardization, and effective use across various research fields. This also opens up new opportunities for sharing professional expertise and developing joint research projects.
This connection is closely linked to the One Health concept, which emphasizes the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health. Veterinary research can provide valuable insights into the origin, development, and prevention of diseases that can affect both animals and humans. Linking biological samples, data, and expert capabilities across different fields is therefore an important prerequisite for more comprehensive research and a better understanding of today’s health challenges.
The meeting opened the door to continued expert dialogue and the identification of specific topics on which VÚVeL and the institutions involved in the BBMRI.cz infrastructure could collaborate in the future. Potential exists not only in the implementation of common standards and the sharing of experiences, but also in the more effective use of biological samples and data for both veterinary and biomedical research.
The Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute’s biological material bank has significantly expanded its storage capacity with two robotic units for storing biological samples at cryogenic temperatures in liquid nitrogen vapor, at a total cost of 32.6 million CZK.
From June 9–11, 2026, together with our Slovak colleagues from the recently established BBMRI.sk node, we visited three biobanks—one Austrian and two Czech. All of the facilities we visited are part of the BBMRI-ERIC network.
