SCIBIOEU aimed to achieve two main objectives, each targeting a key audience: young scientists and the general public, respectively. For students of health sciences interested in biobanking and early-career researchers, the goal was to enhance their ability to communicate biobanking concepts clearly and effectively. This was supported through the development of an interactive e-course designed to improve their scientific communication skills, provide accurate knowledge about biobanking, and promote relevant outreach practices. The SCIBIOEU handbook for science outreach, also helps towards that regard. For the general public, the objective was to raise awareness and understanding of biobanking through a Serious Game, an engaging educational tool that presents core concepts in an accessible way and helps address scientific misconceptions. Additionally, the Serious Game serves as a resource for higher education institutions, complementing existing curricula and supporting science outreach by enabling students and researchers to integrate it into teaching and learning contexts. Furthermore, these tools aim to foster greater understanding and trust in biobanking, ultimately supporting active participation.
Biobanking includes collecting, processing, storing, retrieving, and managing biological samples of high quality, linked to relevant personal data for research purposes, in a standardized and legally and ethically compliant manner. Biobanking research relies heavily on public trust and a sense of solidarity. Individuals are asked to provide biological samples and personal data without knowing the specific research purposes they will serve, making transparency and public engagement essential. To ensure the sustainability and growth of biobanking, it is vital to strengthen communication between researchers and the broader society. SCIBIOEU was initiated to address the lack of public awareness and understanding around biobanking and to foster trust through clear, accessible, and inclusive educational efforts. One of SCIBIOEU’s main goals was to identify communication gaps and develop strategies to bridge them by creating engaging training materials tailored to diverse audiences. Through an open, participatory approach, the project aimed to promote civic involvement and make biobanking knowledge accessible to those with little or no prior exposure, thereby supporting informed participation and societal inclusion.