1	Biological and Environmental Repositories: Current and Future Directions Robert Hanner, Ph.D. Scientific Program Director, Coriell Cell Repositories The Coriell Institute for Medical Research; Camden, NJ President International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories http://www.ISBER.org
2	OECD global BRC initiative Biological Resource Centers 66-page report released by the OECD in March, 2001 7 chapters: Need for BRCs Increasing Challenges of Biodiversity and Genomics Long-term Financial Support Ensuring Quality & Expertise Access & Restrictions Global Network of BRCs Call for Action
3	Why are BRCs Essential? Living organisms, cells, genes, gene products, and related information or databases are the essential raw materials of biological investigations and are crucial for the advancement of biotechnology, human health, and research and development in the life sciences. Without biological resources, life scientists cannot pursue their research, companies focused on biotechnology cannot develop and market products, and health researchers cannot elucidate and cure diseases of humans, animals, and plants.
4	Categorizing Repositories: to understand the role of automation Manually operated repositories, usually driven by an individual researcher Semi automated repositories, usually institutionally supported Completely automated repository, primarily pharmaceutical companies
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13	Centralized storage facility needed An institutional catalog of available genetic resources is essential A dedicated staff for collection management is mandatory An ultra-low temperature storage system is required for secure long-term archival
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15	Archiving process
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19	Digital Characterization: eVouchers Enhance access to collections Reduce wear on specimens Document identity when no morphological voucher exists
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24	New Jersey Cord Blood Bank Managed by Coriell Automationrequired under the contract with the state. Thermogenesis system was sole source justified Extrememly expensive
25	Considerations Automation of initial sample processing and labeling steps do not yet exist Fully automated repository systems designed for smaller sample collections (10,000-50,000) are lacking Many large repository initiatives loom on the horizon…
26	National Dialogue on Cancer: http://www.ndoc.org/ A national tissue resource and data bank is necessary if the nation is to ultimately realize the promise of genomics and proteomics for preventing and curing cancer as well as a range of other diseases. Envisions a network of geographically dispersed tissue repositories for collecting, processing, annotating, storing, and distributing tissue.
27	National Children’s Study Cohort study from birth to adulthood to assess the physical, chemical, biological and psychosocial environmental influences of children’s well-being Establishment of a large repository to receive, store, and aliquot biological, medical and environmental samples Include storage of data from sample analyses and completed data collection forms
28	“DNA barcoding” Enable the rapid and inexpensive identification of species using a 600bp sequence of mtDNA Create an electronic database that contains DNA barcodes linked to voucher specimens, images, and collateral information Develop efficient methods for DNA barcode determination, including low cost, portable devices for field use
29	Some Existing Repository Automation Systems GenVault: http://www.genvault.com/ Thermogenesis: http://www.thermogenesis.com/ Biophile: http://www.biophileinc.com/
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31	What is ISBER Non-profit scientific organization of organizations A forum to address technical, legal/ethical, and managerial issues Broad range of membership members maintain, manage, fund or participate in operation of repositories Government Commercial/biotech Academic/non-profit Vendor
32	Goals Education Disseminate information on repository management issues Sharing of technical information A voice for repositories - to influence regulations on shipping, permitting, etc. Develop consensus standards & best practices Develop a central resource for information about the holdings of existing repositories
33	What can ISBER provide for you? A place to communicate and share ideas repository management data management vendor resources other issues Access to Expertise regulatory requirements technical information Current technology
34	Who are our Members? Human Tissue Resources/Repositories Cell and Virus collections Museum collections Environmental monitoring Collections Wild Animal and Sea-life Collections Seed Repositories Commercial Repositories Other (government funding agencies, etc.)
35	What can ISBER Provide Vendors? Access to a targeted audience Chance to participate in technical discussions Place to exhibit services and technologies Recognition of support Paid meeting registration(s) Link on ISBER Website Preferred booth location
36	ISBER Summary Organization of organizations Source of information Scientific Technical Regulatory Repository management Access to equipment and service providers
37	Upcoming ISBER meetings US meeting: 11-14 May, 2004. Held in conjunction with the Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections (SPNHC) annual meeting at the American Museum of Natural History, NYC. International Meeting: 17-20 October, 2004. University of Perugia, Italy.