Plans have been announced to create a snapshot of the health of people living on the island of Ireland by combining genetic information with lifestyle, environmental, biomarker and healthcare outcome data.
The initiative is being led by BioBank Ireland, an organisation that supports medical research by collecting and sharing high-quality biological samples and health data.
Working with hospitals, universities and patient groups, it aims to improve understanding of diseases and help develop better treatments.
BioBank Ireland said its work is enabling researchers to gain unprecedented insights into population health.
The project aims to help identify individual risks of common diseases, deepen understanding of rare genetic conditions, and accelerate the development of more effective treatments.
According to BioBank Ireland, the work has the potential to transform research into heart disease, cancers, and rare genetic disorders such as Huntington's and motor neurone disease.
As part of the project, the organisation is hosting its first ever all-Ireland biobanking meeting in Dublin today.
The event will bring together leading medical professionals, researchers, and patients to explore the future of healthcare research.
The conference, "From Sample to Society", is being organised in partnership with Trinity St James’s BioBank, the Northern Ireland Biobank and Biobanc Gaillimhe.
"We are delighted to bring together some of the finest medical minds, research professionals, clinicians and patient advocacy groups to contribute to Ireland’s biobanking future," said Professor of Pathology at the University of Galway Seán Hynes.
"The morning sessions will focus on the scientific and technical aspects of biobanking, exploring the breadth and depth of expertise across the country, while also setting our work in a European context," he said.
"The afternoon spotlight will turn to the voices of patients and patient groups.
"Discussions will address consent, trust and the vital role of community engagement in shaping a more inclusive, responsible future for biobanking and the discoveries it will enable in disease research and treatment," Prof Hynes added.
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