Experts Speak Forum: Decarbonization for Green Biobanking-The Current Landscape and Challenges for the Future.

Abstract

This article provides an update on the current state of decarbonization efforts in biobanking, reflecting on the evolving discussions at the annual meetings of the International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER). Following roundtable discussions at the 2021 and 2023 meetings, the 2024 ISBER meeting, which was held in Melbourne, Australia, featured a symposium, workshop, and posters dedicated to decarbonization, highlighting its growing significance on a global scale. The introduction of the term "green biobanking" at this meeting marked a pivotal moment, revealing that current decarbonization efforts in biobanking are largely piecemeal and lack a comprehensive, strategic approach. The goal of this article is to clarify the concept of green biobanking and update the community on the latest developments, while carefully outlining potential pathways for future innovation without pressuring biobankers to adopt existing technologies. The discussion includes insights from experts across various sectors. These include experts from the World Health Organization, biobanks in high-income countries, and low- and middle-income countries, as well as from the Canadian academia, preservation technology, industry, artificial intelligence, and education sectors. The authors emphasize the need for collaboration among all stakeholders to drive the field forward through creative disruption and pave the way for a sustainable future in biobanking.