News

In a pioneering scientific achievement—the first of its kind in the Arab Republic of Egypt—and under the patronage of Professor Dr. Ahmed Abdel Aziz, Director and Chairman of the Board of Theodor Bilharz Research Institute (TBRI), the Center of Excellence for the Biobank at the Immunology Department of TBRI has obtained the first official accreditation for a biobank in Egypt, Middle East and Africa from the Egyptian Accreditation Council (EGAC). This covers biobanking activities, including the acquisition, processing, long-term storage, and distribution of human serum, plasma, and the buffy coat, as well as the associated data, in accordance with the international standard ISO 20387:2018. This accreditation is effective as of February 5, 2026, and remains valid for a four-year accreditation cycle.This milestone reflects the Institute’s status as a reference research institution and confirms its leadership in building advanced infrastructure that supports medical research, precision medicine, genomics, and personalized medicine applications.

This accreditation comes as part of EGAC’s success, for the first time in Egypt, in completing the accreditation procedures for the country’s first biobank—namely, the Biobank of Theodor Bilharz Research Institute. This field represents the thirteenth accreditation scope adopted by the Council, making EGAC the largest accreditation body worldwide in terms of the number of accreditation fields. It is worth noting that EGAC is on track to obtain international recognition in the field of biobank accreditation from the European co-operation for Accreditation (EA) in April 2026. This forthcoming recognition further enhances the value and strength of the accreditation, grants the Institute’s biobank greater distinction and credibility at both regional and international levels, and opens broader horizons for scientific collaboration and international research partnerships.

This accreditation crowns the dedicated efforts exerted by the team of the Center of Excellence for the Biobank at the Immunology Department, whose members demonstrated exceptional commitment and meticulous attention throughout all stages of the accreditation preparation process. Their efforts ensured full compliance with all technical and procedural requirements and the implementation of an integrated quality management system in line with approved standards, playing a pivotal and fundamental role in the success of the accreditation process and the achievement of this unprecedented national milestone.

The Biobank Center of Excellence team at the Institute includes Dr. Mona Zohairy, Principal Investigator and Director of the Biobank Center of Excellence; Dr. Eman Al-Ahwany, Head of the Immunology Research and Therapeutic Evaluation Division and Deputy Director of the Center; Dr. Engy Mohsen Abdel Moneim, Executive Director; Dr. Hoda Abo Taleb, Bioinformatics Manager; Dr. Rawaan Mohsen Zaree, Quality Manager; and Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Rashad, Clinical Director. The team also includes a distinguished group of young researchers serving as the technical team, namely Dr. Noha Abdel Aal Amin, Dr. Lamia Nabil Madkour, and Dr. Arwa Abdullah Ahmed, in addition to an administrative and technical support team that provided outstanding assistance throughout the various stages of work. In particular, Ms. Faiza Ali Hussein played a clear and effective role in accomplishing numerous vital technical tasks and closely following up on work details with dedication and sincerity, alongside Mr. Mahdi Fathy Fathy and Ms. Hosna Saber Hassan, who contributed significantly to completing the required procedures and preparations with precision—helping to fulfill accreditation requirements in an exemplary manner that reflects the professionalism of the Center’s team and the spirit of teamwork.

Biobanks are considered among the most advanced fields at both regional and global levels due to their strategic value in supporting the scientific community. They house hundreds of millions of biological samples—including those derived from humans, animals, plants, and microorganisms—which contribute to the development of medical diagnostics and treatments and support advanced studies in chronic and complex diseases, in addition to their role in increasing agricultural crop productivity and supporting applied scientific research worldwide.

The accreditation process also allows for periodic evaluations and audits tailored to the specific activities of each biobank, including systems for sample collection, storage, and access, as well as mechanisms for the custody of biological materials. This ensures the highest levels of quality, biosafety, and data governance.

In the context of strengthening the role of the Institute’s biobank, it is noteworthy that the Center of Excellence (Biobank) at the Immunology Department is funded by the Science, Technology and Innovation Funding Authority (STDF) under the project entitled: “Theodor Bilharz Research Institute Biobank for Liver Diseases: Translating Scientific Research to Achieve Precision Medicine in Liver Diseases.” The Biobank at TBRI is distinguished by its specialization in liver diseases, whereas other biobanks primarily focus on oncological diseases. It is also worth noting that the Center of Excellence for the Biobank at TBRI has joined the network of biobanks affiliated with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). These biobanks contribute to transforming precise data—whether biological, social, or demographic—into effective tools that support the development of modern methods for early detection and treatment.

This integration of data and biological samples contributes to the development of more accurate diagnostic tools, enables access to appropriate treatments, and even provides opportunities to prevent disease progression and complications—thereby enhancing the efficiency of the healthcare system and bringing about a qualitative shift in approaches to managing chronic and complex diseases.

In a statement, Professor Dr. Ahmed Abdel Aziz, Director of the Institute, affirmed that the Center of Excellence for the Biobank at Theodor Bilharz Research Institute obtaining Egypt’s first official biobank accreditation represents a landmark in the Institute’s journey and reflects the magnitude of the genuine effort exerted to establish an integrated system operating in accordance with the highest international standards. He added that this accreditation serves as a testament to the Institute’s capability to manage biological resources and clinical data with efficiency and precision, in a manner that serves scientific research and enhances the applications of precision and personalized medicine.

Dr. Abdel - Aziz further explained that this achievement would not have been possible without the outstanding teamwork demonstrated by the Center’s staff, who presented an honorable model of commitment, discipline, and meticulous attention to detail. He praised the significant role played by all team members, including scientific and administrative leaders as well as young researchers, who exerted exceptional efforts throughout all stages of preparation and follow-up. Dr. Ahmed Abdel Aziz concluded his statement by emphasizing that the Institute will continue to develop and expand the biobank to support national scientific research and to enhance Egypt’s regional and international standing in this advanced and vital field.