Biotropical Resources biobank (BIOTROP) is integrated in the research centre Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM) at Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (IHMT, NOVA University of Lisbon).
BIOTROP aims to promote research in the area of health sciences, in particular in infectious diseases and tropical medicine. Click here for more services from NOVA Innovation.
We have excellent storage conditions with very heterogeneous collections (vectors, reservoirs, pathogens in samples of human origin and pet animals, …) dedicated to supporting the scientific community.
The biobank is prepared to receive, preserve and distribute samples according to good laboratory practice and Standard Operating Procedures in strict compliance with ethical standards and the Nagoya protocol.
BIOTROP is approved by NOVA’s Data Protection Officer. BIOTROP is part of the Portuguese Roadmap for Research Infrastructures as a member of two networks – Portuguese Network of MicroBiological Resource Centers (Pt-mBRCN, www.mbrcn.pt) and National Biobank Network (Biobanco.pt, www.biobanco.pt).
We can provide different services through agreements.
Contact us biotropicalresources@ihmt.unl.pt
Do I need to register to use the sample Catalogue?
No, the Catalogue is an open resource that is accessible without login or payment.
How do I request access to samples in the Catalogue?
The Catalogue helps you to find the samples that match your research needs. You can use the Filters and Search function to see the list of samples of interest and then contact the Biotropical Resources (BIOTROP) (biotropicalresources@ihmt.unl.pt). Samples have different restriction access levels (Level I to III). We will reply informing the steps to follow and the documentation required.
Do I have to pay for the samples?
BIOTROP will charge the costs of sample processing, storing, retrieval and shipment. There is no additional fee for requesting samples through the Catalogue.
Who decides whether my request for samples is granted?
BIOTROP is responsible for handling the approval of sample requests, a process that involves the biobank Scientific Committee and the Ethical Committee of the IHMT (please refer to https://www.ihmt.unl.pt/investigacao/biobanco/ for further details).
How samples are released from the biobank?
Once sample request is approved, a sample transfer agreement (Material Transfer Agreement) must be signed between the BIOTROP and the applicant, and afterward samples are released.
Can I deposit samples in the biobank?
Yes, to start the depositing samples process in the BIOTROP, you should first contact the biobank (biotropicalresources@ihmt.unl.pt).
I cannot find the samples I need, is it possible to ask the biobank to collect new samples?
Sometimes it could be possible to collect new biological sample based on a request made directly to the BIOTROP (biotropicalresources@ihmt.unl.pt).
Can the biobank provide other services?
Yes, we have a standard and on request services. To get informed about our services, contact the BIOTROP directly (biotropicalresources@ihmt.unl.pt) (please refer to https://www.ihmt.unl.pt/investigacao/biobanco/ for further details).
