Czech-Swiss Biobank Infrastructure Initiative for FAIR Data and Quality Certification (CS-BIQ)

The CS-BIQ project connects the national nodes of BBMRI-ERIC in Czechia (BBMRI.cz) and Switzerland (BBMRI.ch) with the aim of strengthening the quality and interoperability of biobanking services in both countries. It focuses on two key areas: harmonisation of biospecimen quality in biobanking processes, and institutional readiness for FAIRification of data associated with biospecimens.  In the area of quality, a swiss evaluation system will be introduced to support Czech biobanks, incl. the Biobank IHBT Prague, to obtain the internationally recognised BBMRI-ERIC Quality Label or ISO 20387 accreditation. The Swiss partner will provide methodological guidance and training, while the Czech node will gradually take over the initiative of evaluation in the project lasting period.

The project will strengthen the capacities of both national nodes, establish a reusable model of collaboration, and increase the visibility, and efficiency of biobanks in both countries.