March 2026

On 11, 12 and 13 March, the Biobank of the Public Health System of Andalusia (SSPA) held the 10th Edition of the course "Basic theoretical and practical foundations of cytogenetics and flow cytometry", which has already been attended by around 200 professionals. The training was held at the facilities of the Biobank Coordinator Node of the SSPA, located in the Biomedical Research Center of the University of Granada, in the Health Technology Park.

The course has focused on the use of cytogenetics, flow cytometry and genome editing techniques for the characterization of multipotent and pluripotent cells, fundamental in biomedical research. Its main objective was to provide theoretical and practical knowledge on the methodology applied to the characterization of hMSCs, hESCs and iPSCs cells, in addition to addressing good laboratory practices, identification of common errors, optimization of techniques and problem solving.

Given its eminently practical approach, the training has had a capacity limited to 20 participants, allowing a better learning experience. The course has been recognized by the Andalusian Health Quality Agency, and has received a high rating from the attendees.

The next training activity available is the III Edition of the Course on Support Structures for Biomedical Research, organized jointly with the Biomedical Research Institute of Malaga and the Platform in Nanomedicine (IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND).

Aimed at the staff of the Andalusian Health Service, the course will be held on April 15 and 22 in mixed mode, combining a theoretical online session through the GESFORMA platform with a face-to-face session at the Regional University Hospital of Malaga.

The training lasts 10 teaching hours, it is accredited with 2.42 credits, and offers a maximum of 25 places.

On March 24, the SSPA Biobank was present at a new edition of UniStem Day, a European initiative aimed at bringing science to high school students and promoting their interest in research.

In this context, Dr. Purificación Catalina, of the SSPA Biobank Coordinating Node, participated in the conference held at the GENYO Center, where she shared with the young attendees a close and practical vision of work in biomedicine.

During his speech, under the title "The role of the SSPA Biobank as a Node of the National Lines Bank Cell phones, "he explained the operation of this key infrastructure and its relevance in the advancement of biomedical research. The session allowed students to learn first-hand how stem cells and biobanks contribute to the development of new therapies and scientific progress.

In March, the SSPA Biobank gave a new impetus to its network of alliances by signing two new expressions of interest in collaboration with different groups within the framework of the Donor Registry. Specifically, the Platform of Patient Associations of Granada and the Parkinson Association have joined this initiative Linares.

With these additions, the Biobank continues to weave alliances with the Andalusian associative movement, with the intention of bringing the Donor Registry closer to the public and continuing to promote its involvement in biomedical research.

Professionals from the Coordinating Node and the Cordoba Node of the SSPA Biobank held a meeting with representatives of the Parkinson Linares Association. The meeting served to address the operation of research biobanks, the Donor Registry, the Brain Bank of Andalusia and the key role played by patient associations in the advancement of biomedical research.

As a result, both entities have agreed to initiate a line of joint collaboration to encourage the participation of people with Parkinson's and their families in the Donor Registry, as well as to try to strengthen the involvement of the local associative fabric. Within this framework, the Biobank will be present at the next trade fair for patients to be held in Linares on April 17.

The Coordinating Node of the SSPA Biobank hosted the visit of a group of professionals from the Education Technology Center of the Rīga Stradiņš University (Latvia), within the framework of a conference promoted by IAVANTE.

During the meeting, the operation of the Biobank and its main lines of activity were announced, highlighting its role as a support to biomedical research through the management of biological samples and associated information. The session also provided a space for exchange in which both entities could share experiences and knowledge in their respective fields, favouring dialogue and collaboration.

During the month of March, the Biobank has continued to promote the donation of biological samples and data for research by participating in the 12th edition of the Congress of Students of Biosanitary Research (CEIBS) and celebrating World Colon Cancer Day at the San Cecilio Clinical University Hospital together with the Grenadian delegation of the Spanish Association against Cancer.

At both meetings, the Biobank was present with an information stand dedicated to the Register of Donors, from which the importance of the donation for the advancement of scientific research was valued. These initiatives made it possible to bring attendees closer to the fundamental role that donors play in the development of new studies and in improving health.

As a result of this awareness-raising work, more than 30 people have joined the Register of Donors as potential new participants in biomedical research.

The Biobank of Andalusia welcomes every year Vocational Training students to carry out their internship in the Coordinating Node and its provincial nodes. This initiative allows students to enter a highly specialized work environment, where they participate in activities related to the management, processing and custody of biological samples intended for biomedical research.

During the 2025/2026 academic year, the Biobank has 12 students from different degrees, such as Pathological Anatomy and Cytodiagnosis, Clinical and Biomedical Laboratory and the Specialization Course in Cell Cultures.

These training stays are an opportunity to complete academic training with practical experience in a real professional context.