| 2026 Annual Meeting |
2026 ISBER Biobanking Congress in ShenzhenThe ISBER Global Biobanking Congress has been the premier event in biobanking education for over 25 years and is the only truly global event in biobanking. Year after year, ISBER brings together new and returning biobankers from 6 continents, providing opportunities for academia, industry, and pharma to learn, connect, discuss, and collaborate. "I attend ISBER Meetings because I found them to be an impactful venue with lots of networking opportunities and engagement with other friendly biobankers/researchers from around the world willing to share their own personal challenges and success."  2026 ISBER Global Biobanking Congressin Shenzhen, China April 21 - 23, 2026
2026 ISBER Global Biobanking Congress in Shenzhen
ISBER is proud to partner with the Biobank Branch, China Medicinal Biotech Association (BBCMBA), and BGI for the first ISBER Global Biobanking Congress. This exciting 3-day conference will be held at the BGI Centre in Shenzhen, China on April 21-23, 2026. The theme of this year's meeting Global Collaboration for Advanced Technology and Innovation will highlight the ever-growing international partnerships in new technologies, innovation and emerging biobanking practices. As our global community evolves, so must our flagship meetings to include our regional partners. With this in mind, we are transitioning to a more streamlined program, allowing us to deliver a dynamic, educational, valuable, and inclusive meeting experience that works for our international community. The first two days of the meeting will be ISBER-centric with the third day shared with BBCMBA. The Program Planning Task Force is evolving the scientific program to start each day with a high-powered, innovative keynote speaker with the rest of the days filled with abstract submissions from the global community, educational and corporate workshops, roundtables and networking opportunities. This creates an invigorating opportunity for our attendees to shape the conversation and showcase your work on a global stage. We are excited to have you join us in Shenzhen. Meeting theme: Global Collaboration for Advanced Technology and Innovation
Format: In-person only, at the BGI Center, Shenzhen, China
IMPORTANT INFORMATIONRegistration will open in mid-late October. Please check back!
All pricing is in USD. Please note that listed prices are prices exclusive of taxes. 请注意上述价格不含税款.
Not an ISBER member? Join here!
*If you are not a current ISBER student or technician member, please submit proof of your student status or a letter from your employer to info@isber.org to receive the student & technician rate.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARTICIPANTS FROM CHINA
Chinese nationals are eligible for reduced registration rates, as outlined below. Terms and conditions apply.
Please note that ISBER is an international organization with no establishment in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), therefore, registration prices are exclusive of any applicable taxes or fees such as income tax and VAT. In accordance with PRC law, all such taxes and fees are the sole responsibility of the payer, who shall be liable for withholding and remitting the relevant VAT and income tax in addition to the registration fee. Chinese participants who are able to complete payment directly through this website are required to pay the applicable taxes on their invoices. ISBER是⼀家在中国未设机构场所的国际组织。以上价格不包含任何依照中国法律所可能需要征收的例如企业所得税、增值税等类型的税费。该等税费由付款⼈在以上价格之外，另⾏单独承担并代扣代缴。
For those unable to log in to YM or access the registration system, registration may be completed onsite at the venue, where onsite rates will apply as per the congress’ terms and conditions.
WHAT'S INCLUDED WITH YOUR REGISTRATION PASS?
Full Conference Registration:
One Day Registration:
ADD-ON ACTIVITIES
The Global Biobanking Congress offers several fun, networking activities that are not included with your registration but can be purchased /added during registration. Don't miss out!
LOW & MIDDLE INCOME COUNTRIES DISCOUNTED REGISTRATIONS
Delegates in countries identified by the World Bank as Low Income (LICs), Lower-Middle Income (LMICs), and Upper-Middle Income (UMICs) are eligible for discounted registrations of 75%, 50%, and 25% respectively. If you are eligible to receive a discount, please contact info@isber.org.
To confirm the income classification for your country, please
click here.
Please note that if you are also a technician or student, you will receive only the LIC/LMIC/UMIC discount or the technician/student discount, whichever discount is higher.
REGISTRATION TERMS & CONDITIONS
Registration Fees deadline
Early registrations will be accepted until January 14, 2026 at midnight Pacific Standard Time (PST). Should your registration remain unpaid on January 15, 2026, early registrations will be upgraded to the regular registration fee. As of January 15, 2026, and until the conference days, regular registration fees apply for every new registration. Registration Modification & Cancellation A $75 USD administrative fee will be applied to any cancellations. The last day to cancel your registration and receive a refund (minus the $75 cancellation fee) is January 14, 2026. After this date, no refunds will be possible, however name changes are accepted. If a badge is lost or forgotten onsite, an administrative fee of $100 USD will be charged for the reprint of the badge after identity verification (passport, driving license or other recognized identification documents).
Add-on Activities Modification & Cancellation For cancellations received prior to January 14, 2026, midnight PST, amounts will be refunded less a $15 USD administrative fee. After this date, no refunds will be possible. Registration for Chinese Nationals will be managed through the BBCMBA partner and will open in early November. Please check back soon!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Chinese nationals are eligible for reduced registration rates, as outlined below. Terms and conditions apply.
Please note that ISBER is an international organization with no establishment in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), therefore, registration prices are exclusive of any applicable taxes or fees such as income tax and VAT. In accordance with PRC law, all such taxes and fees are the sole responsibility of the payer, who shall be liable for withholding and remitting the relevant VAT and income tax in addition to the registration fee. Chinese participants who are able to complete payment directly through this website are required to pay the applicable taxes on their invoices. ISBER是⼀家在中国未设机构场所的国际组织。以上价格不包含任何依照中国法律所可能需要征收的例如企业所得税、增值税等类型的税费。该等税费由付款⼈在以上价格之外，另⾏单独承担并代扣代缴。
Registration for Chinese Nationals may be completed through the BBCMBA partner's website and onsite at the venue, where onsite rates will apply as per the congress’ terms and conditions.
All pricing is in USD. Please note that listed prices are prices exclusive of taxes. 请注意上述价格不含税款.
Not an ISBER member? Join here!
*If you are not a current ISBER student or technician member, please submit proof of your student status or a letter from your employer to info@isber.org to receive the student & technician rate.
WHAT'S INCLUDED WITH YOUR REGISTRATION PASS?
Full Conference Registration:
One Day Registration:
ADD-ON ACTIVITIES
The Global Biobanking Congress offers several fun, networking activities that are not included with your registration but can be purchased /added during registration. Don't miss out!
Abstract submissions are now open! Abstract submission period: August 20 - October 15, 2025 (*extended to October 29) In 2026, the majority of the scientific program will be driven by abstract submissions from the global community. This creates an exciting opportunity for you to shape the conversation and showcase your work on a global stage.Please note that all accepted abstracts presenters are expected to register by the early bird deadline and to attend the conference. Abstract presenters will be responsible for their own meeting-related expenses, including registration, accommodations, and travel. Abstracts are accepted in these categories.
Click Here to Submit Your AbstractFor the full list of abstract submission guidelines, please click here. Please ensure you carefully review the submission guidelines and the formatting instructions before you submit your abstract.
*EXTENDED* Abstract Submission Deadline: October 29, 2025 at 11:59pm North America Eastern Time.
Abstracts Notification: Early December 2025
Workshop proposal submissions are now open! Workshop proposal submissions period: August 20 - November 12, 2025 ISBER is pleased to accept workshop proposal submissions for the 2026 ISBER Biobanking Congress. All workshop submitters should review the workshop proposal submission guidelines prior to completing their submission.
Click Here to Submit Your Workshop ProposalWhat's a workshop? A workshop is a long interactive meeting or educational session designed to create a specialized result. The workshop presenter(s) design the sequence of presentations, plan collaborative activities, and ensure the workshop will lead to the desired result. Please note that all accepted workshop presenters are expected to register by the early bird deadline and to attend the conference. Workshop presenters will be responsible for their own meeting-related expenses, including registration, accommodations, and travel. Accepted workshop presenters may be asked to submit their presentation slides in advance of the meeting for review. Head Office will provide more information on this closer to the meeting. Product advertisements are not appropriate for presentation. If you wish to host a corporate session, please see our corporate opportunities. Email sponsorship@isber.org for more information. For the full list of workshop submission guidelines, please click here. Please ensure you carefully review the guidelines before you submit your workshop.
Submission Deadline: November 12, 2025 at 11:59pm North America Eastern Time.
Roundtable discussion submissions are now open! Roundtable discussion submission period: August 20 - November 12, 2025 ISBER is pleased to accept roundtable discussion submissions for the 2026 ISBER Biobanking Congress in Shenzhen, China. Roundtable discussions are an opportunity to get together with fellow delegates to discuss an important
topic or challenge in biobanking in an informal setting. Submit a proposal to facilitate a discussion on this topic at the in-person congress in Shenzhen, China.
What's a Roundtable Discussion? Roundtable sessions feature a group of presenters who will make brief, informal remarks about a specific idea or topic. They allow for extensive discussion and audience participation. These sessions can take many forms, with presenters delivering prepared statements or diving straight into questions from the moderator or audience. Regardless of format, they’re designed to elicit an exchange of viewpoints among the experts on a topic. Please ensure this is discussion-driven and not presentation-heavy. Past RoundTable Discussion topics include, but are not limited to:ISO20387 Systematic Review; Biobanking as an Informatics Problem; Evaluating and selecting the right packing materials for shipments; Benefits of Accreditation for Biobanking; Ethical Principles for International Biospecimen and Data Sharing; Challenges and solutions for clinical sites engaged in cancer biobanking; Striking the Balance: Tissue triage of rare diseases to balance the biospecimen demands of clinical care, molecular trials and discovery research; and many more. Please note that all accepted rountable discussion facilitators are expected to register by the early bird deadline and to attend the ISBER Congress. Facilitators will be responsible for their own meeting-related expenses, including registration, accommodations, and travel.
Submission Deadline: November 12, 2025 at 11:59pm North America Eastern Time.
CONGRESS VENUE
BGI Center, H7R7+8QF, Beishan Industrial Zone, Yantian District, Shenzhen, China
HOTEL OPTIONS
Our local partner provided a list of recommended hotels with varying price ranges. All hotels are located approximately 10–15 minutes by car from the congress venue.
Fairfield by Marriott Shenzhen Dameisha
Kingkey Palace Hotel 大梅沙京基海湾大酒店
Hyatt Regency Shenzhen Yantian
Intercontinental Shenzhen Dameisha Resort 深圳大梅沙京基洲际度假酒店
MGM Shenzhen 深圳美高梅酒店
Hyatt Regency Shenzhen Yantian
Applications for a travel grant to attend the 2026 ISBER Biobanking Congress in Shenzhen, China will open in late October 2025. One travel grant is available to an individual in a lower or middle income country, as classified by the World Bank. Only applicants who currently reside in a lower or middle income country are eligible for this grant. To view the full list of countries, please click here. ISBER may award virtual grants (if a virtual meeting is available) or one year-memberships to ISBER, to applications that were ranked highly. Travel Grant Criteria
Travel Grant ExpectationsThe travel grant recipient must expect to:
Travel Grant Inclusions
If you require a visa to travel to China, ISBER recommends you complete your visa application as early as possible, as there may be significant delays in processing visa applications. You can find more information on travel visas on the official website of the Chinese Visa Application Service Center: If you require an invitation letter from ISBER to support your visa application, you must first complete your meeting registration. Once registration opens, your confirmation email will include a link to request a visa support letter. Are you eligible for the Visa-free Entry into China? Check this article as well as the official site of China Consular Affairs for details. While full details on sponsorship and exhibit opportunities for ISBER 2026 will be released later in November, we invite our valued corporate partners to reach out early to the ISBER Head Office with your interest in participating. Whether you’re looking to exhibit, sponsor a session, or build a customized partnership package, we’re ready to collaborate with you now. Let’s get ahead of the curve together and position your organization for success in China. Contact us today to start the conversation and explore how we can help you meet your business objectives at ISBER 2026! Email Us
"...In the exhibit hall we could meet different vendors, service providers and brands, which is helpful to have an overview of new products and trends. I could also meet other colleagues from all over the world and exchange ideas, challenges [...]. I attend ISBER Meetings because they provide invaluable opportunities to network with fellow professionals, stay updated on the latest advancements, and collaborate on cutting-edge research and practices in the field of biobanking and specimen management." 2025 Sponsors and ExhibitorsFor the full list of 2025 sponsors, browse our PDF program here. Task Force Responsibilities:
Task Force Co-Chairs:
 Deb Leiolani Garcia, MPAIndependent Consultant United States Ms. Deb Leiolani Garcia has been working in the field of biobanking for over 25 years. She earned her B.S. in Microbiology from San Francisco State University and an M.P.A. in Public Administration from University of California,
Berkeley. She served as the Operations Director of the NCI funded Central Operations and Data Coordinating Center (CODCC) of the AIDS and Cancer Specimen Resource (ACSR), a multi-site biobanking program which included 5
U.S. academic biorepositories and 1 located in South Africa. She has been an active member of the International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER) since 2000 serving in the president’s group for
3 years and currently is serving as the chair of the Rising Stars: Next Generation Biobankers and co-chair of the Biobank Awareness Task Force and Biobanking 101 and 201 workshops. Ms Garcia is also an active member of
the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Biobanking Feasibility Study Advisory Group. The focus of this group is to provide training on biorepository operational management, regulatory and ethical practices, and
integration of biobanking best practices focused on the standardization and harmonization of protocols and procedures in the Southeast Asia region. She is a co-author of 24 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters in biobanking
operational and regulatory management.
 Jason Chen, BSBGI Research China Jason Chen is a results-driven leader with extensive expertise spanning over two decades in team management, project coordination, and strategic partnership development within global genomics, biobanking, national laboratories,
hospitals, academic institutions, museums, and other biotechnology sectors. He is internationally recognized as an ISO/TC 276 Biotechnology Expert, serves as ISBER Director-at-Large for the China Region, and is an Executive
Committee Member of the Global Genome Biodiversity Network (GGBN). Throughout his distinguished career, Jason has held prominent roles, including Assistant Director at China National GeneBank (BGI), Director of Business
Development and Senior Research Operations Manager at Complete Genomics, Inc., and Sponsored Programs Analyst at the San Jose State University Research Foundation. He holds a degree from the University of California, Davis.
Jason has successfully spearheaded the planning and execution of numerous high-profile international initiatives, notably the ISBER 2019 Annual Meeting and Exhibits, the Annual Biobank China 2018 (ABC 2018), the International
Symposium on Data Intelligence in Life Science, and the GGBN 2017 Regional Asian Workshop. His leadership in these endeavors has significantly advanced collaboration and innovation within the global scientific community.
Task Force Members:
Dan Catchpoole, BSc(Biomed), PhD (UNSW), FFSc(RCPA)
Kids Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead Australia
Io Hong Cheong, PhD
School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine China
Jelani Clarke, PhD
AminoChain Canada
Asim Farooq
Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Center Pakistan
Marianne Henderson, MS CPC PMP
National Cancer Institute United States
Henry Hong
Jiangsu SERLNG Life Science China
Yuqing Ji
Huashan Hospital, Fudan University China
Julia(Huijie) Jiang
Huashan Hospital, Fudan University China
Louise Ludlow
Murdoch Children's Research Institute Australia
Anna Michalska-Falkowska, PhD
Medical University of Bialystok Poland
Adelina Ovcharenko, PhD
MIDGAM Israel
Karena Pryce
University of Sydney Australia
V Krishnan Ramanujan, PhD, MS
Cedars Sinai United States
Hans Sathasivam, PhD
Ministry of Health Malaysia Malaysia
Purnima Singh, PhD
University of Alabama at Birmingham United States
Rajeev Singh, MD, MBA
Georgia Cancer Center Biorepository, Augusta United States
Yan Ru Su PhD
Vanderbilt University Medical Center United States
Wayne Wang
Origincell / Orcella Instruments United States and China
Qiu Xiu, PhD
Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center China
Ying Yan Yu, PhD
Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai China
Jun Mei Zhou
Shanghai Children Hospital China Plan your stay in ShenzhenISBER is delighted to welcome you to the city of Shenzhen, China. Shenzhen is a coastal city in South China’s Guangdong Province. It is located on the eastern bank of the Pearl River, neighboring Guangzhou to the west and Hong Kong to the south. Shenzhen has transformed from a tiny border town with a population of roughly 30,000 in the 1970s into a metropolis with a population of more than 17 million. It has become a prosperous, chic, innovative, harmonious and beautiful city, a pioneer in many fields of global industrialization, urbanization and modernization. Shenzhen serves as a link between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong and a transport hub for coastal southern China. The city leads in high-tech development, financial services, foreign trade, shipping and creative and cultural industries. Explore the city, check out the recommended practical information, plan your travels, and extend your stay! Visit the Shenzhen's official travel website for travel information. This travel guide may also provide additional tips for your travels.
Youtube videos are another great source of information from travelers who have explored the city and region, such as the below. |
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