BIOBANK

Biobank Ireland Trust was founded by a pathologist, Professor Eoin Gaffney, and Ciaran Flanagan, Managing Director of IDEA in 1999 in order to establish an all-Ireland network of hospital biobanks as a bridge between research and care. Currently the charity has 2 biobanks, one in St. James Hospital and one in University Hospital Galway and a further link to another Biobank at Beaumont Hospital Dublin.

A biobank is an ultra-low freezer for storing samples. Samples and database are managed by a biobank technician, and the network is centrally coordinated. This new infrastructure will facilitate large national and international research collaborations that will maximise Ireland's resources, expertise, and potential.

Biobank Ireland promotes the translation of important research findings into better, less toxic treatments and a better prognosis. We wish to fast-track the trend towards "personalised medicine" (i.e. focusing treatment on the patient rather than treating the disease). Important research results will be explained to the public.

Biobank Ireland is supported by many wonderful people, businesses and celebrities such as the following:

"All contributions will be used for promoting and developing Biobank Units in Irish hospitals and could save lives in the future."
Neil Jordan, Author & Film Director

"Biobank Ireland is assisting cutting-edge scientific research which will fast-track the development of new treatments in the area of breast and colon cancer"
Claire Byrne, Radio & TV Presenter

"One in 3 of us will be affected by cancer at some stage in our lives, so, Biobank Ireland's work is important for everyone"
Derval O'Rourke, Irish Athlete

"Biobank Ireland will promote the translation of important research findings into better, less toxic treatments and better prognosis"
Derek Davis, Broadcaster

For more information on Biobank Ireland or to donate to this important cause, please visit www.biobankireland.com or contact Ciaran directly at Ciaran@idea.ie

(Pictured at the presentation of a Biobank to Galway University College Hospital are Professor Michael Kerrin, Professor of Surgery, GUH, Prof. Tim O' Brien, Professor of Medicine, GUH, Ciaran Flanagan, MD IDEA & Director Biobank Ireland, Prof. Grace Gallagy, Professor of Pathology, GUH and Prof. Eoin Gaffney, Director, Biobank Ireland)