ESA establishes its official Biobank in Lisbon

The Gulbenkian Institute of Molecular Medicine (GIMM), in Lisbon, has been chosen by the European Space Agency (ESA) to host its new biobank. The decision was formalised this week by signing a contract between the two organisations, marking the beginning of an unprecedented collaboration. This facility will make GIMM the only location in Europe where biological samples collected by ESA from space missions and Earth-based experiments will be stored.

“Hosting this biobank is a huge recognition of the quality, robustness and flexibility of the infrastructure we have built at GIMM, with the support of CAML and our partner institutions,” states Maria Manuel Mota, CEO of GIMM.

More than just a “sample archive”, a biobank is a strategic pillar for scientific and clinical research. These facilities enable the storage and preservation, with strict technical rigour, of biological materials, such as blood, bone, urine, tissue, or microorganisms. In the case of ESA’s Biobank, the samples will be particularly valuable: they originate from space missions, astronaut simulation experiments, and studies on the effects of microgravity on the human body — such as the Vivaldi III study, which replicates weightlessness through inclined bed rest or dry immersion.

GIMM will be responsible for providing a highly specialised service for storing, managing and coordinating these samples. The decision to select an existing biobank reflects ESA’s commitment to an operational infrastructure that meets demanding quality and safety standards — conditions GIMM already fulfils as it adheres to the European biobank network BBMRI-ERIC standards.

“Our infrastructure is fully operational and prepared to host this project internationally. We will modify some procedures, but we already possess the right foundation: an experienced team, validated processes, and strong connections to clinical and academic circles,” explains Ângela Afonso, Head of the GIMM Biobank.

The GIMM Biobank, integrated into the Lisbon Academic Medical Centre (CAML), is the result of a solid collaboration between GIMM, the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon (FMUL), and Santa Maria Hospital (HSM). This ecosystem ensures unique proximity to clinical practice and education, within an environment conducive to innovation. Prof. João Eurico da Fonseca drove the initial vision for the project and has leveraged clinical samples collected mainly at HSM.

The initiative, now launched with ESA, marks a new chapter: it projects GIMM and CAML onto the international stage, at the intersection of medicine, biomedical research, and space exploration.

“This ESA-led project will serve as a scientific time capsule—preserving high-quality biological and environmental samples from our analogue studies, and later from spaceflight missions, for long-term research,” says Angelique Van Ombergen, ESA’s Chief Exploration Scientist. “It also reflects the deepening collaboration between ESA and Portugal through strategic initiatives, supporting international scientific advancement and Europe’s capabilities in space exploration.”

For Joan Alabart, Head of Space Exploration and Innovation Programmes at the Portuguese Space Agency, “establishing this biobank in Portugal will catalyse national science. It will foster collaboration in fields such as biomedicine, biotechnology, and human physiology, as well as aerospace medicine, which is one of the Portuguese Space Agency’s top priorities.”

ESA’s Biobank will be implemented in two phases. The first four months will be dedicated to developing all operational, safety and transport protocols. The first samples are expected to arrive in the last quarter of 2025. ESA will then use the biobank as new missions and studies progress.