Paris Brain Institute’s core facilities were recently awarded two new certifications: ISO 9001 certification for ICM.Quant and ISO 20387 certification for its DNA & Cell Bank.
Paris Brain Institute’s scientific and operational strategy is centered on a culture of quality
Quality has been the keystone of Paris Brain Institute’s scientific and operational strategy ever since the Institute was first founded. The objective of this overarching approach is to guarantee data reliability, regulatory compliance, and the excellence of the services provided to the scientific community, institutional partners, and to patients.
Based on rigorous international standards and the principal regulations governing biomedical research, the Institute is committed to a policy of continuous improvement. To back up this commitment, a systematized and evolving Quality Management System (QMS) has been implemented, supported by the Organization, Quality and Risk Management Department (ROQ).
Created in 2018, ROQ supports core facilities, research teams and support functions in implementing their quality procedures, from process mapping to certification. A dedicated team ensures that the culture of quality is maintained at all levels of the Institute.
One example of how this policy is upheld at the Institute is management’s Quality Policy Declaration, which represents the frame of reference for all teams. The declaration is a shared vision focused on performance, transparency and social responsibility.
Recognized certifications: a mark of excellence and reliability
Paris Brain Institute now has five certified entities that are audited each year. The audits are part of our process of external validation by independent bodies, confirming that our practices are rigorous and that our results are reliable.
In August 2025, we enhanced this approach by obtaining two new certifications:
- ISO 9001 certification for the ICM. Quant core facility,
- and ISO 20387 certification for the DNA & Cell Bank*.
* Sampling is excluded from the scope of certification.
These recognitions mark a key step in consolidating the Institute’s quality system and reflect the maturity of its management systems.
ICM.Quant: expertise and precision in scientific imaging
The ICM.Quant (Quantitative Cellular and Molecular Imaging) facility is indispensable to the neuroscience research carried out at the Institute. For several years, the facility has applied robust quality practices in each and every one of its activities.
Even before obtaining these certifications, the facility had a fully operational QMS that guaranteed the consistency and traceability of its processes. The initial audit in 2025 confirmed that this system is sound and conforms to rigorous standards.
Obtaining ISO 9001 certification, the international quality management standard, is an endorsement of excellence. The certification confirms that the facility provides reliable, reproducible services that meet the highest standards of scientific research.
This recognition not only bolsters trust among internal research teams and external partners, but also underscores the professionalism of the staff involved. It illustrates the Institute’s overarching strategy of offering researchers state-of-the-art facilities where the quality of data and analysis is guaranteed.
The DNA & Cells Bank: an international benchmark for biobanking
Created to support biomedical research, the DNA & Cells Bank manages the collection, preparation, conservation and provision of biological resources for use by the scientific community.
This center was awarded NF S96-900 certification in 2009, demonstrating its long commitment to high quality standards. NF S96-900 was a French quality standard specifically for biological resource centers. When this standard began to be phased out, the center anticipated the sector’s evolution and transitioned to an international standards framework.
This culminated in obtaining ISO 20387 certification, the international standard for biobanking activities. This distinction demonstrates that the center meets quality requirements across all its processes, including the security, traceability and reliability of samples, as well as regulatory compliance.
For users of the DNA & Cells Bank, ISO 20387 accreditation guarantees quality service and adherence to rigorous methodological practices that comply with global benchmarks. This strengthens trust among academic and industrial partners.
A collective commitment to continuous improvement
These new certifications are not isolated achievements; they are markers of an overarching and consistent quality policy at Paris Brain Institute. They add to the certifications already attained by other Institute entities:
- the iGenSeq** and iVector** facilities, ISO 9001-certified since 2015;
- Neurotrials***, ISO 9001-certified since 2023 for its early clinical trial activities in neurology and psychiatry.
** Animal DNA and RNA genotyping (iGenSeq), the provision of equipment (iGenSeq & iVector) and Chapter 8.3 “design and development of products and services” are not within the scope of ISO 9001:2015 certification.
*** Exclusion from Chapter 8.3 “design and development of products and services”
Beyond these certifications, Paris Brain Institute’s strategy is part of a broader approach to social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability. Initiatives such as Cleanup Day and the Freezer Challenge illustrate the Institute’s dedication to scientific excellence, energy efficiency, and responsible resource management.
Every action, audit and certification contributes to the same objective: bolstering trust, guaranteeing quality and supporting excellence in research for the benefit of patients and of scientific knowledge.
