In August, members of the QUOD team attended the World Transplant Congress in San Francisco, to promote the biobank and introduce researchers from around the world to QUOD. Our exhibition stand drew strong interest from clinicians and scientists, and Marta Oliveira did an excellent job of sharing information about the bioresource as well as building great engagement with fellow exhibitors.
Professors Rutger Ploeg and Timothy Pruett chaired a scientific session titled “How to Optimise a More Global Research Infrastructure Redefining the Clinical and Scientific Landscape in the Era of AI”. This session highlighted the pivotal role of collaborative bioresources and databanks in advancing transplantation science in the age of AI and precision medicine, and QUOD was in the spotlight once more.
The session featured three leading biobank initiatives: iGeneTrain (Brendan Keating, USA), TransplantLines (Antonio Gomes, NL), as well as QUOD (Maria Kaisar, UK), each offering unique insights into the value of biobanking in enabling cutting edge research and innovation. The session included a dynamic panel discussion that explored strategic directions for global research infrastructures. Discussions with the audience highlighted the value of large biobanks to accelerate scientific progress in an era of AI and how working together has the potential to accelerate innovations for the benefit of patients.
Insight Molecular Diagnostics (iMDx) generously supported a networking reception following the research infrastructure session so that discussions could continue in a more informal setting. The event was extremely well attended by industry, representatives from a number of Organ Procurement Organisations (OPOs), the BMI Organ Bank team, clinicians and scientists, and charities such as 34 Lives. A number of collaborations were forged during the evening and feedback from the event was very positive. A shared theme emerged: the challenges of accessing biobank samples and data, and limited research funding opportunities, are common across the UK, Europe and the US. There was a universal feeling that international working was lacking and would be an excellent way to deliver research that could change practice and ultimately improve outcomes for patients.