Belgian Genome Biobank (BGB)

International efforts in human genomics have led to major
break-throughs in our understanding of the genetic basis of
rare and common diseases. Variation between populations
in disease prevalence and distribution of genetic variants
necessitates access to population-based genetic reference
datasets. Human genomics is making a transition from
being largely research to health-care driven in Europe as
many countries launch their precision medicine programs.
Such data and relevant infrastructure, crucial for the stateof-
the art research on complex and rare diseases, is
currently not available for the Flemish/Belgian population.
The aim of the Belgian Genome Biobank (BGB) is the
creation of a genomic resource of the Flemish/Belgian
population, with the objective of supporting and carrying
out genetic and health studies, in order to enable future
research on genetic causes and (risk) factors for human
traits, diseases and their environmental interactions.