International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories

ISBER, the International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories, is a division of the American Society for Investigative Pathology. Based out of Rockville, Maryland, and founded in 2000, ISBER’s main goal is to provide information and guidance on the safe and effective management of biological and environmental specimen collections.

ISBER members hail from government, academia, and the private and commercial sectors, all interested in exchanging expertise on repository issues.

ISBER provides an educational forum for discussion of repository management and dissemination of information on operational issues. ISBER’s work helps members more effectively manage and preserve biological and environmental collections. ISBER’s Best Practices for Repositories, currently undergoing revision and enhancement, are used by other organizations to assist in standardizing repository practices.

ISBER is needed more than ever, with the emergence of new biomarkers and more sensitive measurement technologies and with rapid advancements in molecular biology, nanotechnology, environmental toxicology, and information technology.

ISBER continues to reach out to other organizations that, like ISBER, understand the need for better access to quality biospecimens to ensure continued biomedical research advancements. ISBER’s 2007 annual meeting in Singapore on “International Biobanking Standards” is part of its ongoing efforts to promote more harmonized approaches to biobanking.

For more information, click on www.isber.org