Biological Collections

Biological collections are groups of organisms, or parts thereof, organized to provide information about origin, collection and identification of each of its specimens. At Fiocruz, the oldest collections began to be composed in the early 20th century, when, during scientific expeditions, institutional researchers collected, analyzed and deposited biological material from different regions of Brazil. Currently, there are 33 collections that are institutionally recognized and that have the support of Fiocruz for its maintenance and safeguarding.

They are divided into five categories: Microbiological, Zoological, Histopathological, Botanical and Archeopaleontological Collection. The specimens reveal the genetic diversity of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, helminths, arthropods, mollusks of medical and environmental importance, human and animal histopathological as well as exsiccates - dried and pressed samples - of medicinal plants. They constitute the epidemiological memory and record of variations occurring in etiological agents over time. They represent the genetic populations of organisms related to public health research and microbiological collections with various potentialities for biotechnology. As sources of genetic resources, the biological collections of Fiocruz offer qualified products and services for applications in Research, Development and Innovation (R,D&I), which include, for example, the production of inputs for diagnostics, vaccines and medicines.

The initiatives associated with quality promotion and improving the conditions for excellence in research and services at the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation are coordinated by the Vice Presidency of Research and Biological Collections (VPPCB). To know more about the Management of Biological Collections at Fiocruz, click here 

The Biological Collections of Fiocruz are also integrated to the following networks and platforms: