When I look back into the year 2016, I realise that IBBL has reached a certain maturity. Created in 2008 within the governmental initiative to establish a centre of excellence in biomedical research, IBBL took off the ground rapidly. All together with an ambitious and motivated team driven by a start-up spirit, we have continuously evolved and climbed the steps of the ladder.
Now that IBBL has gained a reputation for the quality of its operations and for its expertise in biospecimen research, our role has taken a different turn. Our partners and clients approach us with larger-scale projects and higher expectations. In this determining transition in our history, it is crucial that we continue to take our responsibilities seriously and keep our feet firmly on the ground to fulfill our mission.
Recognising the potential of collaborations in developing better healthcare solutions, IBBL has been pursuing the strategy to partner in cross-border research projects and clinical trials but also in international consortia. Our efforts proved fruitful in 2016. One example lies in EORTC’s decision to select IBBL as the preferred biobanking infrastructure to support its precision medicine clinical research. This partnership results from years of relationship during which mutual trust has gradually been built up. I am also particularly proud of our participation in SPIDIA4P, an action funded by the EU, to reinforce the era of personalised medicine in patient care. Being part of such a project is a great recognition of our expertise in biospecimen research.
Remaining a valuable actor in the Luxembourgish landscape is of primary importance for IBBL.
Remaining a valuable actor in the Luxembourgish landscape is of primary importance for IBBL. Among others, our involvement in the Personalised Medicine Consortium and in multiple national collaborative projects clearly reflect our commitment to support biomedical research in the country. At the time being, IBBL is working hand in hand with the Laboratoire National de Santé and all Luxembourgish hospitals to implement a wide collection of cancer tissues within the National Cancer Plan. The challenge is ambitious, but the benefits for researchers and patients are plenty. So was the inclusion of almost 600 patients and healthy donors in NCER-PD, a research programme on Parkinson’s disease. The communication was handled by the LCSB with verve, and the public has embraced the ambitious programme.
By reinforcing cooperation, serving its clients’ needs, and ensuring samples of high and uniform quality, IBBL concluded 2016 with great success. The end of the year also came along with marvellous news: not only did we pass the follow-up audits for ISO 9001, NF S96-900 and ISO 1705, but we also succeeded in extending the scope of our accreditation, most notably to a method that differentiates us from other biobanks worldwide in the eyes of the microbiome scientific community.
Our move to a permanent and bigger building in Dudelange will open a new chapter in our history.
2017 is bringing about new challenges and opportunities. We expect to see the results of our call for biomarker validation, and we hope to concretise substantial projects with private and public partners in Luxembourg and abroad. Our move to a permanent and bigger building in Dudelange will open a new chapter in our history as it will contribute to IBBL’s growth as an international centre of excellence in biobanking. I have no doubt that Catherine Larue will successfully steer IBBL’s boat towards this direction again. Meanwhile, I will keep on assuming my role of CEO ad interim with great pleasure together with IBBL’s management team.
On that note, I would like to thank you all for your tremendous support and I wish you an enjoyable read of our digital annual report.
