History
The history of the European Association of Tissue and Cell Banks (EATCB) is closely linked to the global development of tissue banking and the necessity for international scientific exchange and European standardization.
The EATCB was originally established under the name European Association of Tissue Banks (EATB) in October 1991 at the first European Conference on Tissue Banking in Berlin. 280 participants from 18 countries agreed to found a scientific organization for professionals in the fields of procurement, processing, and transplantation of cells and tissues.
In the next years, the association focused on regular congresses in various European cities to promote scientific exchange. With scientific progress, the EATCB expanded from classic tissues (such as bone and skin) to more complex therapies.The association adapted its name to reflect the growing importance of cell banks and has since operated as the European Association of Tissue and Cell Banks (EATCB).
Today, the EATCB serves as the central scientific organization for human tissues and cells in Europe. The administrative office is currently located in Hannover, Germany.
Please download the pdf to read the history of EATCB/EATB compiled by EATB founding president Rüdiger von Versen!