#EBW25 Previews: State-of-the-art speaker for 10A ‘Organisational Profiles’
Sandra Nanyonga, Université Côte d’Azur, will be the state-of-the-art speaker leading the panel session ‘Organisational Profiles’. We have profiled her biography and abstract here.
Sandra Nanyonga
Sandra Nanyonga is a research scientist specialising in biobanking with extensive experience in managing daily biobank operations and ensuring compliance with quality, regulatory, ethical, and legal standards. Her training across biobanks in Uganda, France, and Portugal has equipped her with a comprehensive skill set.
Currently finishing her Master of Science in Biobanks & Complex Data Management from Université Côte d’Azur and a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology from Makerere University, Sandra has been recognised with awards such as the ELSI Young Researchers Award. As an active member of the International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER), she serves as a Regional Ambassador for the EMEA region and contributes to the Community Engagement Task Force.
Fluent in English and Luganda, with intermediate proficiency in French, Sandra is dedicated to advancing biobanking practices across the globe, particularly in Africa, with the goal of improving research quality and health standards across the continent.
Abstract: Pan-African Biobanking Network (PABNet): Strengthening the African biobanking community
Establishing and managing a biobank in Africa requires compliance with multiple laws and regulations, which vary by country. Navigating these complexities can be challenging for biobankers across the continent. Founded in 2024, PABNet serves as a central platform supporting African biobankers by providing critical resources and fostering collaboration.
The diverse regulatory landscape in African countries underscores the need for greater connectivity and cooperation. To better understand this landscape, we conducted a survey amongst African biobankers to gather essential insights. Future surveys will help refine our understanding of their evolving needs.
PABNet’s website offers a comprehensive repository of standards, laws, and regulations, categorised by country. Local experts ensure this information remains up to date, making it an invaluable resource for biobankers.
Our next priority is capacity building. By addressing the specific needs identified, we will develop targeted educational programs aligned with local regulations. Collaborations with key stakeholders will further enhance the impact of these initiatives.
Additionally, we aim to streamline and adapt quality management systems (QMS) for African biobanks, ensuring they are practical, accessible, and compliant with relevant standards.
PABNet is a community-driven initiative tailored to Africa’s unique biobanking challenges. By fostering knowledge-sharing and capacity building, it will contribute to the growth of a sustainable, well-regulated biobanking ecosystem across the continent.
Session details
- Date: Friday 16 May
- Time: 12:00-13:30