DwarnaBio-HSBC Malta collaboration highlights community-engaged biobank research

DwarnaBio is the national population based biobank that aims to serve as a resource for genomic research in the Maltese population. The team from DwarnaBio recently visited the HSBC Malta offices in Qormi to carry out a successful on-site sample collection session as part of our ongoing recruitment efforts. During the visit our team collected blood and saliva samples from the HSBC employees who generously volunteered to contribute to this research effort. Their participation helps expand the growing resource, and reinforces DwarnaBio’s aim to prioritise direct public engagement in research. It represents a move away from the traditional concept of research subjects as passive sample donors to emphasising a proactive and collaborative approach that considers the general public as an active research participant.

The session was organised to make participation simple and convenient for employees. Our team set up a temporary collection station within the bank’s HSBC Hub premises in Qormi where participants were guided through the process by trained staff. Each volunteer provided informed consent and had the opportunity to learn more about how their contribution supports long term research that aims to improve understanding of health and disease.

We are grateful to HSBC Malta Foundation for welcoming us and supporting employee engagement in scientific research. Collaborations like this play an important role in building a strong community around research and innovation while making it easier for individuals to take part in studies that benefit the wider population.

At DwarnaBio we believe that research works best when communities are actively involved. The enthusiastic response from HSBC employees reflects a growing interest in contributing to scientific discovery and in helping shape the future of healthcare research in Malta. We look forward to continuing to work with organisations across the country to make participation in research accessible and meaningful.

DwarnaBio is an active member of the pan-European biobank network BBMRI and a research partner in the 1 Million Genomes of Europe initiative