The Center of Excellence Biobank.cy for Biobanking and Biomedical Research at the University of Cyprus has announced a significant milestone in its mission to advance medical knowledge. The voluntary participation of 10,000 Cypriot citizens marks a pivotal moment in groundbreaking scientific research and innovation.

The center emphasized that its commitment to improving health and well-being for future generations is strengthened by invaluable contributions from medical records and biological material, including DNA, voluntarily donated by both healthy individuals and patients.

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Professor Konstantinos Deltas, Director of Biobank.cy and Professor of Medicine and Molecular Genetics, highlighted the impact of this achievement. “The milestone of 10,000 volunteers reflects the dedication and generosity of our fellow citizens, whose contributions are shaping the future of medical research,” he stated. “Every donated DNA sample is a step toward solving major health challenges. Together, we are laying the foundation for discoveries that will benefit not only our generation but also future ones,” Deltas added.

The archived data and biological samples are analyzed by specialized research teams in collaboration with international partners. The goal is to identify genetic traits responsible for various hereditary diseases—both rare and common—to support precision medicine. These records are already being used by researchers seeking solutions to major health issues.

The participation of 10,000 citizens has led to key advancements, including:

• Mapping the DNA of Cypriots
• Research on hereditary hematuria and Alport syndrome
• Studies for improved diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of inherited kidney diseases
• Investigations into inherited cardiac diseases (ICD)
• Studies on genetic and multifactorial vision disorders
• COVID-19 research in Cyprus
• Liquid biopsy applications as prognostic biomarkers for lung cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy
• Development of nanocarriers for targeted treatment of triple-negative breast cancer
• Genetic studies on patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia
• Preclinical trials of a potential Alport syndrome drug

Biobank.cy has received approval from the Cyprus National Bioethics Committee and operates in full compliance with the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). A dedicated team of specialists ensures the highest standards of data and sample integrity for research purposes, while protecting the personal data of all volunteers.

The center is funded by the European Commission, the Republic of Cyprus, and the University of Cyprus under the EU’s Horizon 2020 program. Additional projects receive financial support from the Research and Innovation Foundation, the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, and the pharmaceutical company Regeneron in New York.

External partners include BBMRI-ERIC, a major pan-European biobanking consortium; the Medical University of Graz, home to one of the largest and most advanced biobanks; and the Cypriot private company Talos, which promotes the initiative.

“The enthusiastic participation of Cypriots of all ages, genders, religions, languages, nationalities, and communities is vital for the progress of this research,” the center noted.