Overview
The UMB BioBank is a secure, high‑performance biospecimen and data resource within the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s Center for Innovative Biomedical Resources (CIBR). It supports researchers by providing high‑quality, well‑annotated biospecimens, standardized laboratory processing, and integrated clinical data through OpenSpecimen.
Our Origins
The Biobank was initially established by the Program for Personalized and Genomic Medicine (PPGM) to provide the infrastructure and resources needed to empower basic and clinical researchers to translate discoveries in genomics and other “omics” sciences into more effective diagnostics and therapeutics.
PPGM’s mission includes building biobanking capacity, integrating biospecimens with electronic medical record data, and enabling interdisciplinary research that advances precision medicine.
This foundational work laid the groundwork for today’s UMB Biobank, which continues to expand capabilities in specimen processing, large‑scale storage, and data‑driven research support.
Mission
To empower academic research through secure, high‑quality biospecimen services and integrated clinical data, enabling discoveries in genomics and multi‑omics that drive innovation in diagnostics, therapeutics, and population health.
Vision
To be the trusted biobank partner for researchers by providing high‑quality, well‑annotated biospecimens and expert laboratory support that accelerate discovery and translational science.
Core Values
Integrity & Stewardship: We uphold ethical standards, protect data privacy, and ensure responsible biospecimen management throughout the specimen lifecycle.
Scientific Excellence & Innovation: We support rigorous, reproducible research through validated laboratory methods and evolving technologies that advance high‑quality results.
Collaboration & Accessibility: We foster interdisciplinary partnerships and provide inclusive, equitable access to biobanking resources for a diverse research community.
Responsiveness: We deliver timely, reliable service to ensure investigators can efficiently access biospecimens, laboratory support, and integrated data.