From Hoarding to Sharing: Breaking Down Biobank Silos to Accelerate Diagnostic Innovation

Originally published on Biobanking.com.

By Zoran Gatalica, Laboratory Director, Reference Medicine

Despite major advances in diagnostics and translational science, one of the most persistent bottlenecks in research remains surprisingly basic: access to high-quality biospecimens. Across the research ecosystem, valuable samples sit in disconnected institutional repositories—often difficult for researchers to find, access, or use efficiently. The result is a fragmented system that slows biomarker validation, increases development costs, and ultimately delays progress for patients.

While discussions about innovation frequently focus on new technologies, the reality is that the ability to efficiently access the right specimens at the right time is just as critical to advancing science.