ISBER

What ISBER does

ISBER (International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories) is a non-profit global professional association founded in 1999 and headquartered at 1618 Station Street, Vancouver, Canada. It functions as the only global organization dedicated to harmonizing scientific, technical, legal, and ethical practices across biobanks and biorepositories, serving individual biobanking professionals and organizational members (hospitals, research institutes, universities, biotech, and pharmaceutical companies with biobank operations) across four elected governance regions: Americas, China, Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA), and Indo-Pacific Rim, with Regional Ambassadors in approximately 40 countries.

ISBER's core product is the Best Practices for Repositories, Fifth Edition (published December 2023), the definitive global guidance document for managing biological and environmental specimen collections, available in seven languages (English, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, Persian, Korean, and Russian). The technology stack supporting this guidance includes the Biobank Assessment Tool (BAT), a ~300-question self-assessment aligned with Best Practices and ISO 20387; the Qualification in Biorepository Science (QBRS), a 50-question professional credential co-developed with ASCP BOC requiring triennial recertification; the Biorepository Proficiency Testing Program delivered by IBBL with 22 testing schemes; the International Repository Locator, a searchable specimen database; and the Biopreservation and Biobanking (BIO) journal, published by SAGE and indexed in PubMed Central, Web of Science, and Scopus.

Revenue is generated through individual membership dues ($55-$380/year across student, regular, and emeritus tiers with World Bank-based LMIC discounts up to 75%), four-tiered organizational memberships ($475-$4,550/year with 2-25 sub-accounts), rotating global congress and regional meeting registrations, paid online courses (Essentials of Biobanking at $49-$395) and workshops, BIO journal subscription royalties (~87% member discount), proficiency testing fees, and corporate sponsorships. Operations are notably lean (1-10 paid staff) with the executive function augmented by an elected Board of Directors and a large volunteer ecosystem organized into three Communities of Practice (Education & Training, Science Policy, Standards), five Working Groups, four Special Interest Groups, and a Regional Ambassador network.

Name

ISBER

Legal name

International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories

Website

https://isber.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

ISBER is a global non-profit professional society founded in 1999 that sets and disseminates best-practice standards for biobanks and biorepositories across four regions. It serves biobanking professionals, hospitals, research institutes, and universities via the Best Practices document, QBRS credential, BAT, Proficiency Testing, and the BIO journal.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Biobanking Professional Association Services

NAICS

Business Associations (813910), Professional Organizations (81392)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Environmental Education, Capacity Building & Community Engagement (BPADALAO)

Keywords

• Biobanking standards
• Biorepository education
• Biospecimen management
• Professional certification
• Biorepository science

Headquarters

HQ city

Vancouver

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Individual Membership Dues: Annual membership fees for individual members, ranging from $190-$380/year depending on journal subscription tier. Student/Technician at $165/year and Emeritus at $85-$195/year. Also includes discounted pricing for members from Low, Lower-Middle, and Upper-Middle Income countries per World Bank classifications (up to 75%, 50%, and 25% off respectively).
2. Organizational Membership Dues: Annual organizational membership fees at four tiers: Small ($475/year, 2 sub-accounts), Medium ($925/year, 4 sub-accounts), Large ($1,800/year, 8 sub-accounts), X-Large ($4,550/year, 25 sub-accounts). Each sub-account receives full individual membership benefits.
3. Essentials of Biobanking Course: Self-paced online course with 9 modules, priced at $395 USD for non-members and $195 USD for members. LMIC members pay $49 USD. Estimated completion time 7-11 hours.
4. Biobanking 101/201 Workshops: Recorded and live workshops priced at $40 USD for members / $120 USD for non-members. Covers foundational and advanced biobanking topics.
5. Proficiency Testing Program: External quality assessment for biospecimen testing methods. Endorsed by ISBER, delivered by IBBL. Fees range from €339 to €535 per scheme, with ISBER members receiving a 15% discount. The 2026 program includes 22 testing and processing schemes.
6. Biopreservation and Biobanking (BIO) Journal: Official journal of ISBER published by SAGE. Electronic and print subscriptions available. Members receive approximately 87% discount on online subscriptions as a membership benefit. Printed journal add-on priced at $135 USD (undiscounted).
7. Webinars and Educational Events: Webinars available free for ISBER members; non-members pay $25-$50 per session. Series pricing available (e.g., 5-webinar series at $100 members / $175 non-members). Live event registrations and recordings sold separately.
8. Annual and Regional Meeting Registrations: Conference registration fees for annual meetings (e.g., ISBER 2026 Global Biobanking Congress in Shenzhen, China, April 2026) and regional meetings. Discounted rates for ISBER members. Sponsorship opportunities available at [email protected].
9. ISBER 2026 International Biospecimen Summit: October 28-30, 2026 in Toronto, Canada. Early bird: $345 member / $445 non-member / $150 student. Regular: $395 member / $495 non-member / $200 student. Add-ons: Workshop $125, Reception $85.
10. ISBER Best Practices Publications: Best Practices for Repositories, Fifth Edition available in digital (free download) and printed formats (sold on Amazon in English, Spanish, Japanese). Translations available in Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, Persian, Korean, and Russian.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

ISBER is a global nonprofit professional association that provides standards, education, training, and community for biobanking and biorepository professionals. Its core offerings include the ISBER Best Practices for Repositories (5th Edition), the BIO peer-reviewed journal, the QBRS professional qualification, the Essentials of Biobanking online course, the Biobank Assessment Tool (BAT), and a Proficiency Testing program. ISBER also hosts annual and regional conferences, webinars, and operates volunteer-led Communities of Practice, Working Groups, and a Regional Ambassador Program across four global regions.

Product overview

ISBER is a global professional organization (not a software product company) that provides a comprehensive ecosystem of biobanking resources, standards, and professional development offerings. The core offering is the ISBER Best Practices for Repositories (5th Edition), the definitive global guidance document for biobanks available in multiple languages. This is supported by an integrated portfolio of education and assessment tools including the Essentials of Biobanking Course (online self-paced with 9 modules), QBRS professional qualification exam (partnered with ASCP BOC), Biobanking 101/201 Workshops, and webinars. Quality assurance is provided through the Biobank Assessment Tool (BAT) with nearly 300 questions and the Biorepository Proficiency Testing Program offering 22 testing schemes. The organization facilitates community engagement through Regional Ambassador Program, Communities of Practice, Working Groups, and Special Interest Groups. Events include the Annual Global Biobanking Congress and Regional Meetings. Additional offerings include the Virtual Exhibitor Hall, International Repository Locator, and ISBER's official journal Biopreservation and Biobanking (BIO).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• ISBER Best Practices for Repositories The definitive global guide for managing and operating biobanks. Provides evidence-based or consensus-based practices for collection, long-term storage, retrieval, and distribution of biological and environmental specimens. Available in English (5th Edition), Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, Persian, Korean, and Russian (4th Edition).
• Biopreservation and Biobanking (BIO) Journal

Quantifiable outcome

• ISBER Best Practices 5th Edition available in 7 languages (English, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, Persian, Korean, and Russian)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers21 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• World BankminorOthers · 8 September 2025ISBER uses World Bank country classifications (Low Income, Lower-Middle Income, Upper-Middle Income) to determine discounted membership pricing and grant eligibility for individuals from LIC/LMIC/UMIC countries. Discounts range from 25% to 75% off membership fees.
• ASCP BOC (American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerISBER and ASCP BOC co-developed the Qualification in Biorepository Science (QBRS), a professional qualification exam recognizing biobankers' skills globally. ISBER provides subject matter expertise and program development; ASCP BOC administers the exam application process, examination delivery, and credential management. Application fee is $250 (increasing to $260 from Jan 1, 2026). Recertification required every 3 years.
• CTRNet (Canadian Tissue Repository Network)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerISBER partners with CTRNet to deliver the Essentials of Biobanking Course. The course is based on ISBER Best Practices and provides an overview of key issues in establishing, maintaining, and accessing a biobank. CTRNet developed the original curriculum with international input; ISBER offers it as an official course on its website. The course is recognized as a recommended resource on the ASCP QBRS exam reading list.
• IBBL (Integrated Biobank of Luxembourg / Luxembourg Institute of Health)coreTechnology or IntegrationIBBL delivers the ISBER-endorsed Biospecimen Proficiency Testing Program. The program is an external quality assessment tool for verifying the precision and accuracy of biospecimen testing and processing methods. IBBL manages scheme execution, sample shipments, and performance reporting. ISBER members receive a 15% discount. The 2026 program includes 22 testing and processing schemes.
• UHN (University Health Network) - TorontocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerISBER partners with UHN to host the 2026 International Biospecimen Summit (IBLS) on October 28-30, 2026 in Toronto, Canada. Held at the Hockey Hall of Fame and University of Toronto Convention Center. The summit focuses on sustainability, digital transformation, FAIR data ecosystems, and AI-enabled translational innovation in biobanking.
• BBCMBA (Biobank Branch of the China Medicinal Biotech Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerISBER partnered with BBCMBA to co-host the 2026 ISBER Global Biobanking Congress in Shenzhen, China (April 21-23, 2026). Jason Chen served as co-chair. This represents ISBER's first joint World Biobanking Congress with the BBCMBA.
• Garrahan Foundation (Argentina)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerISBER partnered with the Garrahan Foundation to organize the ISBER 2025 Regional Symposium in Buenos Aires, Argentina (September 12-13, 2025). This was ISBER's first regional event in South America, bringing together biobankers from across Latin America. Dr. María Teresa García de Dávila of the Foundation received the 2026 ISBER Outstanding Achievement in Biobanking Award.
• British Hospital of Buenos Aires (Hospital Británico)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with ISBER and the Garrahan Foundation to organize the ISBER 2025 Argentina Regional Meeting. Dr. María Teresa García de Dávila organized the event and was subsequently appointed Head of the Institutional Biobank at Hospital Británico.
• Global Genome Biodiversity Network (GGBN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGGBN is an ISBER working group partner. ISBER's International Repository Locator Working Group and Enviro-Bio Working Group collaborate with GGBN on biodiversity biobanking standards and the international repository locator. Jason Chen serves on the GGBN Executive Committee. Jonas Astrin hosts the GGBN secretariat at LIB Biobank.
• ISO TC276 / WG2 BiobankingcoreTechnology or IntegrationISBER participates in ISO TC276 (Biotechnology) Working Group 2 on Biobanking and Bioresources, contributing to international standards development including ISO 20387:2018 Biotechnology - Biobanking - General requirements for biobanking. Clare Allocca co-authored ISO 20387 and its implementation guide.
• College of American Pathologists (CAP) Biorepository Accreditation ProgramcoreTechnology or IntegrationCAP's Biorepository Accreditation Program (BAP) is referenced in ISBER's QBRS exam reading list and Biobanking 201 workshops. ISBER Best Practices support CAP accreditation preparation. Shannon McCall served as chair of the CAP BAP Committee for 6 years.
• BBMRI-ERIC (Biobanking and Biomolecular Resources Research Infrastructure European Research Infrastructure)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBBMRI-ERIC collaborates with ISBER's Science Policy Community of Practice on emerging science policy issues, regulatory guidelines, and biorepository best practices sharing.
• PRIM&R (Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerISBER's Science Policy Community of Practice collaborates with PRIM&R on ethical, legal, and societal guidelines and regulations for biorepository policy development and management.
• MVE Biological SolutionsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMVE Biological Solutions sponsored the ISBER 2026 Leadership Award, demonstrating corporate sponsorship and marketing partnership with ISBER. Sponsorship inquiries managed through [email protected].

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP): Larger clinical pathology professional society that administers the QBRS exam on behalf of ISBER through its Board of Certification. ASP's BOC is the operational credentialing engine behind ISBER's flagship professional qualification product.
• European Society of Pathology (ESP): Broader European pathology professional society that overlaps with ISBER's specimen-handling and biospecimen quality domains. Represents a wider installed base of pathology professionals while ISBER specializes narrowly on biobanking.
• College of American Pathologists (CAP) Biorepository Accreditation Program: Larger pathology professional society that runs the Biorepository Accreditation Program referenced in ISBER's QBRS reading list. It is a parallel standards-setter (accreditation) to ISBER (best-practice standards) and a frequent governance partner (Shannon McCall chaired the CAP BAP Committee).
• FASEB (Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology): Umbrella federation of life-sciences professional societies with a comparable member-society, conference, and journal model. A useful benchmark for the operating dynamics of multi-society federations relevant to ISBER's governance and revenue design.

Regional players

• Biobank Branch of the China Medicinal Biotech Association (BBCMBA): Chinese biobanking professional body that co-hosted ISBER's 2026 Global Biobanking Congress in Shenzhen. Operates as a direct regional peer within China and a strategic co-development partner for events and standards dissemination.

Direct peers

• BBMRI-ERIC: European Research Infrastructure for biobanking and biomolecular resources. BBMRI-ERIC and ISBER collaborate through the Science Policy Community of Practice and share member biobanks across Europe; it is the most direct regional counterpart and a collaborator on policy and standards.
• Australasian Biospecimen Network Association (ABNA): Regional professional association for biobanking across Australasia. ABNA operates the same kind of community, education, and recognition model in its geography and is structurally analogous to ISBER at a regional scale, including its own achievement awards for members.
• Global Genome Biodiversity Network (GGBN): International network for biodiversity biobanking and genomic resources. ISBER and GGBN share leadership (Lib Biobank hosts the GGBN secretariat; the ISBER International Repository Locator Working Group coordinates with GGBN), making it the closest peer in the environmental specimen domain.

Others

• Sage Publications / Biopreservation and Biobanking journal ecosystem: Distribution and publishing partner for ISBER's BIO journal. Functions as adjacent infrastructure rather than a direct peer, but is a meaningful ecosystem comparator on the publishing side of scholarly professional associations.

Emerging players

• Integrated BioBank of Luxembourg (IBBL): Biobanking operator that delivers the ISBER-endorsed Proficiency Testing program. Functions as both a peer (operates a biobank with global reach) and a strategic technology/integration partner for ISBER's quality assurance offering.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@isberorg
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/isber
• Xx.com/ISBER_ORG
• Facebookfacebook.com/ISBERorg

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about ISBER