The Wales Cancer Biobank (WCB) is celebrating a major milestone this year: 20 years of collecting, curating and sharing samples and data that drive world-leading cancer research.

Established in 2005, WCB has grown into a foundation of cancer research infrastructure in Wales, supporting scientists locally, nationally and internationally. Over two decades, it has collected and managed 17,340 high-quality samples and consents, enabling 184 research projects that have improved our understanding of cancer biology, diagnosis, and treatment.

“A mature biobank is a useful biobank,” said Professor Richard Clarkson, Scientific Director of the Wales Cancer Biobank. “The value of what we do grows over time, every sample, every dataset, and every collaboration contributes to real progress in cancer research.”

From its beginnings as a national archive of cancer tissue, WCB has evolved into a dynamic, collaborative platform that unites patients, the NHS, academia, and industry in the shared goal of advancing cancer science. Its success has been built on trust, transparency, and the generosity of thousands of patients who have consented to donate tissue and data for research.

“Thanks to its own national cancer bank the Principality has long boasted one of the world’s best cancer tissue archives. Now that the WCB has evolved from a library into something bigger – an active partnership between patients, NHS, academia and industry, and one which integrates tissue donations with biological and clinical data – Wales can boast new and world-class potential for cancer research,” added Nick Ross, Strategic Advisory Board Chair, WCB.

As it looks to the future, the Wales Cancer Biobank is embracing data integration, genomics, and digital innovation to enhance the value of its collections and to meet the evolving needs of cancer researchers. By combining biological samples with genomic, molecular, and clinical data, WCB is helping to accelerate the pace of discovery and deliver better outcomes for patients in Wales and beyond.

The Wales Cancer Biobank’s 20th anniversary is not only a celebration of longevity, but of impact, collaboration, and the enduring commitment of donors and researchers alike.