A European workshop is planned, gathering 25-30 experts as a strategic initiative, to discuss various aspects of how to bridge bio banks, health registries and population surveys at European level in order to improve the research potential and find better ways to tackle diseases. Storage and use of human biological material and data for health research purposes are undergoing rapid development with regard to research possibilities and there is an urgent need for a coordinated effort in order to promote and maintain a leading role for Europe. This field is multidisciplinary and requires the participation of experts from various scientific fields with a thorough knowledge of how bio banks and registries are organised and how they can be utilised at the European level. This includes cell and molecular biology, biotechnology, bio informatics, epidemiology, bioethics and legislation, as well as more clinically oriented subjects as pathology,