Biobanking on the Future of Science and Medicine

Abstract

The Great east Japan earthquake and Tsunami that occurred on 11, March 2011, had a major impact on research in Japan. Many universities and research institutes also suffered extensive damage. Reconstruction and revitalization of the research and communities impacted by this disaster remains a national priority. The iPS cells, genetically modified organisms and mutants are important research resources and must be preserved safely to keep the continuity of research activity in Japan's science community. In Interuniversity Bio-Backup project, the core facility for cryopreservation of biological resources was settled to National Institute for Basic Biology to back up the biological materials for each researcher and 7 universities were set up as the initial contact sites for every researchers to cover all part of the country. Through this project, we are aiming to warrant the sustainable development of research activities in Japan.