Ontario Biobanks, hosted by the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, is a voluntary network uniting independent biobanks across Ontario, Canada. Together, we support global academic and industry-led cancer research by improving access to high-quality biospecimens – from solid tumours and blood cancers to samples from population studies, clinical trials, and veterinary sources.
Our Mission & Purpose
Ontario Biobanks exists to drive high-impact translational cancer research by solving a critical challenge: connecting researchers with the biospecimens and data they need to advance discovery. We increase visibility and streamline access to high-quality, diverse biospecimens across institutions, enabling faster, more efficient research.
By reducing barriers to access, we accelerate scientific breakthroughs that improve cancer diagnosis, treatment, and care. Our work empowers researchers to focus on innovation, helping bring new discoveries to patients and communities worldwide.
We deeply appreciate the participants and patient partners who have generously contributed to our member biobanks. Their commitment makes research using biobanked samples possible and drives progress in health and science.
How We Work
Through Collaboration: Our members, affiliates, and biobanking colleagues play an active role in shaping the network in working groups, contributing at every stage to foster a truly collaborative environment.
Streamlined Process: A centralized request process is under development to simplify multi-biobank access. This includes an online searchable catalogue, harmonized application, material transfer agreement (MTA), and standardized access fees.
Best Practices: Our approach is informed by leading biobank networks worldwide and aligned to certification standards set by the Canadian Tissue Repository Network (CTRNet), ensuring high quality, operational efficiency, and meaningful impact.
Members
Ontario Biobanks is built on strong partnerships with leading academic institutions, hospitals, research centres, and healthcare organizations across Ontario. These partnerships are fundamental to expanding our reach, diversifying our biospecimen collections, and integrating our efforts with the broader cancer research ecosystem.
Our network members are:
- Brain Tumour Biobank
Unity Health Toronto - Hematology Biobank
The Ottawa Hospital - Kids Eye Biobank
The Hospital for Sick Children - McCain GU Biobank
University Health Network - Ontario Health Study
Ontario Institute for Cancer Research - Ontario Tumour Bank
Ontario Institute for Cancer Research
- Ontario Veterinary College Veterinary Biobank
University of Guelph - Princess Margaret Cancer Biobank
University Health Network - The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre Biobank
The Hospital for Sick Children - Tumour Tissue Data Repository
Canadian Cancer Trials Group
Looking to get involved with Ontario Biobanks? Feel free to reach out to us through our Contact Form.
Oversight
Ontario Biobanks is guided by a multidisciplinary Governing Council composed of experts in oncology, veterinary medicine, ethics, data science, and biobank management. Governance ensures fair representation, responsible decision-making, and strategic alignment with research goals across Ontario.
- Dr. Geoffrey Wood
Ontario Veterinary College Veterinary Biobank, University of Guelph - Heidi Wagner
Princess Margaret Cancer Biobank and McCain GU Biobank, University Health Network - Dr. Helen Dimaras
Kids Eye Biobank, The Hospital for Sick Children - Dr. Lincoln Stein
Ontario Tumour Bank, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research - Dr. Lois Shepherd
Tumour Tissue Data Repository, Canadian Cancer Trials Group
- Dr. Mitchell Sabloff
Hematology Biobank, The Ottawa Hospital - Dr. Peter Dirks
The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre Biobank, The Hospital for Sick Children - Dr. Sunit Das
Brain Tumour Biobank, Unity Health Toronto - Dr. Victoria Kirsh
Ontario Health Study, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research - Dr. Dianne Chadwick, Chairperson
Ontario Tumour Bank, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research