The Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) Biobank and Cohort Building Network (BCNet) initiative arose from the realization that despite improvements in developed countries, population cohorts and biobanking facilities are either underdeveloped or non-existent in LMICs. In this context and in line with IARC’s mission to contribute to worldwide cancer research, BCNet was set up as an opportunity for LMICs to work together in a coordinated and effective manner and jointly address the many challenges in biobanking infrastructure, including ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSIs).

In addition, BCNet will facilitate the sharing of resources (e.g. expertise, protocols) and the development of joint projects, strengthening the competitiveness of LMIC biobanks in applying for international funding.

The purpose of this website is to share information between BCNet members and partners about ongoing and planned activities and programmes; to provide a medium for sharing guidelines, protocols, and standard operating procedures (SOPs); and to inform the public and the international scientific community about the goals of BCNet in order to identify and encourage new opportunities and foster collaboration.