![Monkey with yellow eyes and a grey mane.](https://nms-supercool.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/Images/Exhibitions/2016-Monkey-Business/monkeys-7.jpg?w=570&h=426&q=100&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5723&fp-y=0.3196&dm=1718695249&s=11b76821869029b7ba8c99a6b121ff58)
CryoArks
This UK-wide collaboration has created the UK’s first comprehensive zoological biobank for research and conservation. CryoArks is funded by BBSRC (BBR) and is a consortium of Museums, Zoos, Academic Institutions and Biobanks.
Last updated: 11 August 2022
About the project
Biological samples from wild and zoo animals are valuable sources of genetic material, providing a wealth of information that can support conservation management as well as fundamental, biological research.
CryoArks is a partnership project, which is bringing together millions of biological samples held in disconnected collections across zoos, museums and academic collections, into a publicly visible and accessible biobank. As a CryoArks partner, National Museums Scotland has established the physical infrastructure and protocols required to biobank genetic material at -80°C.
- Project title
CRYOARKS: Establishing a UK-wide zoological biobank
- Project active
2018 - 2022
- Research theme
Sustainability
- Project website
Contributors
Dr Andrew Kitchener - Principal Investigator - National Museums Scotland
Professor Michael Bruford - University of Cardiff
Dr Aidan Emery - Natural History Museum
Dr Helen Senn - Royal Zoological Society of Scotland
Professor Rob Ogden - Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh
Dr Lisa Yon - University of Nottingham
Publications
Farré, M., Johnstone, C., Hopper, J., Kitchener, A.C., Roos, C. King, T. 2022. Novel mtDNA haplotypes represented in the European captive population of the Endangered François’ langur (Trachypithecus francoisi). International Journal of Primatology 43: 533-537 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10764-022-00295-x
Biobanks are curated collections of biological samples (such as tissue, blood, serum, DNA, gametes and cell lines) that are collected, preserved and maintained along with their associated data, following international standards and guidelines. CryoArks partners offer physical storage (at both -196°C and -80°C), a searchable database, on-site assistance in archiving sample material, and advice on embedding biobank sample collection during routine veterinary care and fieldwork. In conjunction with the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, National Museums Scotland’s Biobank is promoting the benefits and needs of zoological biobanking in the UK to a wide range of audiences across the research and public sectors.
Project contact
Contact list of staff members
Dr Andrew Kitchener
Partners
Supported by
Related to this project
- Event
Science Sunday
22 Sep 2024, 10:30 – 15:30Celebrate Maths Tales at the museum with maths-inspired family activities. - Event
Scotland Galleries highlights tour
1 Apr 2023 – 31 Aug 2024, Tues – Fri, 11:00Join our volunteer guide to explore Scotland’s stories through highlight objects in our Scotland Galleries.Free - Event
Friday Friends
13 Sep 2024 – 20 Jun 2025Our Friday Friends programme offers a welcoming space for visually impaired and D/deaf children and their families.Free