Polish database – Polish health
As explained by researchers Dr Michał Seweryn, mgr inż. Błażej Marciniak and Dr Beata Pawłowska, biological material collected in national biobanks allows for the analysis of genetic traits specific to our population – shaped by local conditions, diet and migration history. This enables the development of effective preventive and therapeutic methods tailored to the real health needs of Poles.
Research conducted on Asian or African populations is not always applicable in Europe. Therefore, as scientists emphasise, own data is the foundation of independence. This data allows for better diagnosis, treatment and prevention of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and autoimmune disorders.
No law, no standards
The third episode of the series also addresses a systemic problem – the lack of coherent legal regulations regarding biobanking in Poland. There is no single, comprehensive law that clearly defines the rules for collecting, storing and sharing biological material. This results in data fragmentation and hindered cooperation between research centres.
Experts point out that for Poland to become an equal partner in international genetic projects, a coherent legal framework, the development of a national genomic data processing infrastructure and participation in European initiatives such as One Million Genomes and the Genomic Data Infrastructure are necessary.
Data that speaks louder than genes
Biobanking is not just about storing biological samples. It also provides a vast database of contextual information – from lifestyle and medical history to environmental and social factors. Such data allows researchers from various fields – from biology to sociology – to understand how the environment influences health and the development of diseases.
This makes biobanking an interdisciplinary scientific tool, combining biology, medicine, psychology and social sciences.
Watch the third episode of the series
This is the third film in a four-part series produced by the University of Lodz and the Centre for Digital Biology and Biomedical Sciences – Biobank Łódź as part of the "Social Responsibility of Science II" programme, funded by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. The series shows how science translates into real-world action to protect public health.
Watch the episode on the Science Inspires channel on YouTube and find out why Polish genetic data is an investment in the future of our health.
Edit: Małgorzata Jasińska and Michał Gruda (Centre for External Relations and Social Responsibility of the University, University of Lodz)
