The ultimate goal of medical research is to reduce the burden of disease that encompasses personal, family, social, and economic costs. This can be achieved in many ways, including through the study of tissues from affected individuals. Evidence obtained directly from these laboratory-based studies can be used to investigate susceptibility to disease, explore pathogenic mechanisms of organ damage, and validate studies performed in other model systems. Indirectly, these data can be used to refine treatment strategies, develop new therapies, and inform public-health policy aimed at preventing and minimizing harm. Biobanks are an important contributor to the research effort and sit alongside animal colonies, data repositories, and other multi-user research facilities as essential resources for the scientific community. However, brain banks are particularly important because the complexity of the human brain in combination with the psychological uniqueness of our species creates a disparity with animal models that exceeds any other organ system.
