ABSTRACT
Collection and storage of biological specimens has been a longstanding method of conducting research all around the world. Biobanking has allowed for all types of viruses to be studied by a global network of researchers and thus enhanced and accelerated the research and development of diagnostic tests and vaccines. However, with the introduction of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) leading to a pandemic, the challenges and gaps in biobanking became more apparent as the entire world struggled to address the pandemic. With strict measures in place to reduce transmission of the disease, the idea of virtual biobanking began to take root as a method for researchers to access data irrespective of their location. With a better understanding of the gaps and challenges faced by researchers in biobanking and virtual biobanking, it is likely that there will be a stronger and more robust response to epidemics and pandemics in the future. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022.