About Us
The Łukasiewicz – PORT Biobank is one of the largest centers for collecting and storing human biological material in Poland. It gathers and preserves human biological samples obtained both from population studies and from research on specific diseases. We are open to collaboration with research institutions and industry through jointly conducted scientific and research projects.
The Biobank operates in accordance with the guidelines of the international OECD organization, as well as quality, ethical, and legal standards for research on human biological material.
Biological samples are stored at temperatures of –80°C and –150°C. The storage system is continuously monitored, supported by emergency power supply, and secured with liquid nitrogen and CO₂ backup systems.
Biobank services include:
- collection and storage of biological material for scientific research purposes,
- provision of biological samples for biomedical research,
- consultation on research projects involving the collection of human biological material,
- assistance in preparing applications to bioethics committees and correct project documentation.
Note:
The Łukasiewicz – PORT Biobank does not provide commercial services.. Our mission is to support the advancement of science through joint research projects, which is why we do not conduct service-based activities.
When using Biobank resources in research projects—whether funded by the Medical Research Agency (ABM) or by other national or international institutions—collaboration is only possible in the form of a scientific consortium, with clearly defined roles and responsibilities between partners.
In cases where cooperation has a service-based character, we allow it only on the condition that an additional biological sample is provided to the Biobank as part of the collaboration. This sample will be used for scientific purposes and will contribute to the further development and expansion of the Biobank’s collections.
Please take these principles into account when planning projects, submitting applications, or sending inquiries.
Group members
Associate Professor Patrycja Gazińska, PhD
Dr. Gazińska received her doctoral degree in agricultural sciences (animal science) in 2006 from the Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW). In 2024, she was awarded the title of Doctor of Science in medical sciences and health sciences on the basis of her publication cycle The significance of histopathological evaluation of breast cancer and the characterization of its microenvironment.
Since 2022, she has served as the leader of the Biobank Research Group at Łukasiewicz – PORT. Previously, she was Head of the Experimental and Digital Pathology Team at the Institute of Cancer Research, London (2018–2021), a Manager in the Oncology R&D Division at AstraZeneca (2020–2021), and a Research Fellow and Senior Scientist at King’s College London (2008–2018). Her research focuses on oncology, particularly breast cancer and head and neck cancers, with a strong emphasis on digital pathology, immunopathology, and the tumor microenvironment.
Dr. Gazińska leads numerous national and international research projects funded by, among others, ABM (Medical Research Agency), NCN (National Science Centre, Poland), and the European Commission. She has participated in international clinical studies, including TNT, OPPORTUNE, and DB-06 (AstraZeneca). She has initiated and conducted research on topics such as the impact of lymph node microenvironments on breast cancer prognosis, the immune landscape of chemotherapy-resistant cancers, and the role of exosomes in immune evasion.
She played a key role in establishing digital pathology infrastructure at King’s College London and the Institute of Cancer Research. In Poland, she is developing the Łukasiewicz – PORT Biobank and promoting a biobanking culture in clinical and translational research. She actively collaborates with British research institutions, carrying out joint projects with KCL, ICR, and the Royal Marsden Hospital.
