In an era of heightened emphasis on climate action, the decarbonization imperative extends to biobanks, recognized as essential but energy-intensive research infrastructures. 

With rich experience as the Head of Laboratory Support, Biobanking, and Services at IARC/WHO, Zisis Kozlakidis brings a seasoned perspective to our podcast, articulately delving into the crucial facets of biobanking, from environmental challenges to innovative solutions and the future landscape of sustainable practices in healthcare and research.

In this podcast, Zisis addresses the pressing environmental challenges associated with traditional biobanking practices and their contribution to carbon emissions. He sheds light on the unique challenges faced by biobanks in lower and middle-income countries (LMICs) and unveils potential strategies for reducing their carbon footprint. Zisis provides insights into the innovative technologies adopted by high-income countries (HICs) to reduce energy consumption in biobanking and shares real-world examples of biobanking facilities successfully implementing decarbonization strategies. He explores the potential of informatics tools in reducing carbon footprint and provides invaluable advice for biobanks initiating their decarbonization journey. Zisis concludes by painting a vision of a future biobanking landscape, emphasizing its transformative impact on healthcare and global research.

Tune in to the podcast for these insightful discussions with Zisis Kozlakidis, shedding light on the path towards sustainable and environmentally conscious biobanking practices.

• What are the key environmental challenges associated with traditional biobanking practices, and how do they contribute to carbon emissions?
• Considering the global impact of biobanking, how important is it for the biobanking community to engage in a dialogue about its environmental impact and incorporate sustainability measures into its governance practices?
• What are the unique challenges biobanks in lower and middle-income countries (LMICs) face when trying to reduce their carbon footprint? Also, what are some potential solutions or strategies for biobanks in LMICs to reduce their carbon emissions?
• What role should governments, policymakers, and the broader scientific community play in prioritizing decarbonization efforts in biobanking, especially in LMICs?
• What are some examples of innovative technologies and equipment that HICs are adopting to reduce energy consumption in biobanking?
• Should biobanks gather data about the cost and consumption of liquid nitrogen and energy over the lifetime of freezers for successful decarbonization efforts, and what challenges exist in obtaining such data?
• What are some real-world examples of biobanking facilities successfully implementing decarbonization strategies?
• What are some cutting-edge technologies on the horizon that could transform biobanking and its approach to sustainability?
• Are informatics tools recommended for biobanks to reduce their carbon footprint?
• What are the first steps biobanks embarking on a journey towards decarbonization should consider?
• What does the future biobanking landscape look like in terms of decarbonization goals, and how might this impact healthcare and research on a global scale?

Biobank managers, quality managers, and technicians.

Disclaimer

Where individuals are identified as personnel of the International Agency for Research on Cancer/WHO, these individuals alone are responsible for the views expressed in this article and they do not necessarily represent the decisions, policy, or views of the International Agency for Research on Cancer/WHO.