Research on tropical health is a critical field that addresses both infectious and non-infectious diseases prevalent in tropical regions, with the aim of understanding their unique factors and improving health outcomes. A significant challenge in this area is the underutilization and limited awareness of biological collections and biobanking activities, which are essential for providing high-quality specimens and associated data. These resources enable researchers to explore biodiversity and investigate genetic and environmental factors relevant to tropical diseases. Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of biobanking in managing infectious diseases, identifying genetic markers for chronic conditions, and advancing precision medicine. However, there remains a gap in fully harnessing these resources due to a lack of collaboration and awareness among researchers, policymakers, and institutions. Addressing these gaps is crucial for developing targeted interventions and strategic approaches to tackle tropical health challenges effectively.

This research topic aims to address the issue of underutilization and limited awareness surrounding the significance of biological collections and biobanking activities in tropical health research. By highlighting recent advancements in the field and emphasizing the potential applications of these resources, we aim to raise awareness and promote collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and institutions. Through these efforts, we can harness the full potential of biological collections and biobanking activities to effectively tackle tropical health challenges, develop targeted interventions, and implement strategic approaches.

To gather further insights in the utilization and impact of biological collections and biobanking in tropical health research, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Biobanking and Infectious Diseases in Tropical Regions: the role of biobanking in managing and controlling infectious diseases, including standard procedures for sample collection, storage, and resource sharing.
- Biobanking and Chronic Diseases in Tropical Regions: the role of biobanking to manage chronic diseases and identify genetic or environmental factors.
- Biobanking and Precision Medicine for Tropical Diseases: the application of biobanking in precision medicine, focusing on genetic data, biomarkers, and clinical samples.
- Ethical and Legal Considerations: ethical and legal frameworks surrounding biological collections and biobanking in research on tropical health, emphasizing informed consent, privacy, data sharing, and benefit-sharing with local communities and protection of biodiversity.
- Collaborations and Networks in Research on Tropical Health: highlight the importance of collaborative networks among researchers, institutions, and stakeholders in optimizing the potential of biological collections for the research on tropical health, showcasing successful partnerships and data-sharing initiatives.
- Case Studies and Success Stories: present case studies and success stories that demonstrate the practical applications and positive outcomes of using biological collections and biobanking activities in research on tropical health.

Impact

Frontiers in Tropical Diseases

Disease Prevention and Control Policy