"Biobank" - terminological uncertainty

Biobanks are the main components of biotechnology infrastructure. They are necessary for the development of health, agriculture, industry and the development of a country’s biosafety system. However, there is no legally binding definition of the term «biobank», State regulation of biobanks and their development strategy are insufficient. The author proposes the following definition in the new federal law «On Biobanks»: «Biobank is a legal person created by citizens of the Russian Federation or legal entities without the participation of a foreign component whose main activity is the collection, storage and distribution of biomaterials on the territory of the Russian Federation to residents of the Russian Federation». We believe that the adoption of this term will make it possible to realize the goals of the Government of the Russian Federation to establish a network of biobanks in the country by 2025.