The 8th Annual Australasian Biospecimen Network Association (ABNA) Meeting was held on December 2, 2010 at the Sebel & Citigate, King George Square, Brisbane. The conference theme "Biobanking: the cornerstone and future of translational research" explored issues related to tissue banking practice and positioning, in particular how biobanking will underpin translational research.
Highlights of the meeting included the opening address by Professor Robin Mortimer AO MBBS(Hons), Senior Director of the Office of Health and Medical Research, Centre for Healthcare Improvement/Queensland Health. His talk entitled “ Benefits of Biobanking to underpin clinical research in Queensland - the OHMR perspective” allowed participants to hear about the important work that is being done in Queensland. Through the generous support of our sponsors, we were able to fund the international speaker; Prof William E. Grizzle MD, PhD from the University of Alabama Comprehensive Cancer Center, USA. Prof Grizzle spoke during an afternoon session with his talk entitled "Factors that affect the quality and usefulness of tissues in biomedical research" which was a thought provoking and reflective account of past, current and future practices in biobanking. Other highlights included the poster session presentations, and of course the conference dinner which this year included a touching reflective talk given by Mr Bob Glenister OAM whose daughter is an Acute Lymphatic Leukaemia survivor. The dinner and meeting provides an opportunity for members of the biobnaking community to interact with collegues from around Australia, share knowledge and make new contacts.
To view the 2010 ABNA 8th annual meeting booklet including programme, ABNA Presiden't welcome, message for the conference convenor and Sponsor details click here. |
