HSBC Bank Malta has hosted an on-site sample collection session with DwarnaBio, as part of efforts to expand participation in Malta’s national genomics research initiative.

The session, held at the HSBC Hub in Qormi, allowed employees to voluntarily contribute blood and saliva samples to the Dwarna biobank, a population-based research resource designed to support long-term studies on health and disease within the Maltese population.

DwarnaBio aims to build a comprehensive genomic database that can inform future research, healthcare strategies and personalised medicine initiatives. The project places a strong emphasis on public engagement, encouraging individuals to actively participate in research rather than acting solely as passive contributors.

The on-site initiative at HSBC Malta reflects a broader approach to making participation more accessible by integrating research opportunities into everyday environments such as workplaces.

Participants were guided through the process by trained staff and provided informed consent, while also receiving information on how their contributions will be used to support scientific research.

The initiative was supported by the HSBC Malta Foundation, which facilitated the organisation of the session.

Rita Scicluna, who was involved in coordinating the visit, said the collaboration reflects the bank’s support for research and innovation initiatives that have long-term societal impact.

From Dwarna’s perspective, the session represents an important step in expanding its database and strengthening community engagement.

Nikolai P. Pace said the collaboration provided a valuable opportunity to advance the project’s objectives while highlighting the role of partnerships in scaling research efforts.

DwarnaBio is part of wider European research networks, including the BBMRI and the 1 Million Genomes initiative, which aim to enhance collaboration and data sharing across countries.

The expansion of such initiatives reflects a growing focus on genomics as a key component of future healthcare systems, with biobanks playing an increasingly important role in enabling large-scale, data-driven research.