Box 2.

OECD Report: Biological Resource Centers Underpinning the Future of Life Sciences and Biotechnology

Summary of recommendations
1. Establish national BRCs.
Selectively seek to strengthen existing ex situ collections of biological data and materials and, when needed, create new collections, including in non-OECD countries, and raise those collections to the quality required for accreditation as national BRCs.
2. Develop an accreditation system for BRCs based on international criteria.
Support the development of an accreditation system for BRCs based upon scientifically acceptable objective international criteria for quality, expertise and financial stability.
3. Create international linkages among BRCs.
Facilitate international coordination among national BRCs. This should be based upon modern informatics systems that link biological data to biological materials across national BRCs and upon common technological frameworks. Biological Resource Centers 50
4. Coordinate standards, rules, and regulations taking BRCs into account.
Take into account the objectives and functioning of BRCs when establishing and harmonizing national or international rules and regulations. Develop policies to harmonize the operational parameters under which BRCs function, including those governing access to biological resources, as well as their exchange and distribution, taking into account relevant national and international laws and agreements.
5. Establish a global BRC network.
Support the establishment of a global BRC network that would enhance access to BRCs and foster international cooperation and economic development. A global BRC network would greatly improve the conditions under which biological materials and information are preserved and exchanged. How this challenge is met may affect the future of life sciences and biotechnology for many years to come. It is a challenge that calls for the full support of governments, the scientific community, and the private sector. BRCs should be encouraged to coordinate their activities so as to best serve their essential functions in response to the needs of sectors that depend on their biological resources.