Visit of BBMRI-ERIC Representatives to Latvia within the Framework of the Precision Medicine PMNET Forum

On October 10, 2025, within the framework of the Precision Medicine (PMNET) Forum, Latvia hosted the Director General of the European Biobanking Infrastructure BBMRI-ERIC, Jens Habermann, and Head of Public Relations Jana Pavlic-Zupanc. The visit aimed to strengthen cooperation between BBMRI-ERIC and the Latvian National Biobank Network BBMRI-Latvia, as well as to promote Latvia’s integration into the European Research Area.

During the visit, BBMRI-ERIC representatives:

• Met with representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Latvia – Uldis Berķis, Baiba Švāne-Upmale, Anna Leiškalne, and Zaiga Vītola – to discuss the next steps in integrating BBMRI-Latvia into the European Biobanking Infrastructure and the European Research Area.
• Met with representatives of the Ministry of Health – Aiga Balode and Laura Boltāne – to discuss synergies between biobanks and the healthcare system and their future development in Latvia.
• Took part in the PMNET Forum session "From Samples to Solutions: The Role of Biobanks in Precision Medicine", during which Jens Habermann gave a presentation on BBMRI-ERIC resources and opportunities in the fields of research and healthcare.

During the session, a BBMRI-ERIC Partnership Charter was signed between the Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre (BMC) and the Children’s Clinical University Hospital (BKUS). This agreement ensures BKUS’s full participation in the Latvian National Biobank Network and its involvement in international BBMRI-ERIC activities.

In addition, the BBMRI-ERIC representatives:

• Met with Jana Lepiksone and Jurijs Perevoščikovs from the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, discussing cooperation opportunities in the development of the “One Health” concept and the national health data space in Latvia.
•  Participated in a discussion with members of the Latvian Biobank Network, including representatives from the University of Latvia Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga Stradiņš University, Riga East University Hospital, BIOR, and other Latvian research institutions, to discuss future collaboration with BBMRI-ERIC and the development directions of BBMRI-Latvia.

At the end of the day, Jens Habermann, Jana Pavlic-Zupanc, and Lithuanian representative Giedre Kvedaraviciene visited the Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, where they were presented with the Genome Centre and the National Biobank – the State Genome Database of Latvia.

This visit and its activities will significantly contribute to strengthening the Latvian National Biobank Network and fostering closer cooperation with the European Biobanking Infrastructure BBMRI-ERIC.

The Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre is implementing the project No. 1.1.1.5/3/24/I/006 “Development of Latvia’s Research Potential by Strengthening the Integration of the Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre into European Infrastructures and Scientific Networks”, co-financed by the European Union’s European Regional Development Fund.