Q. Please tell us about yourself. What brought you to your current position?
I’ve spent over three decades working as an executive across the CRO, biorepository, and laboratory research sectors, and noted one constant theme throughout—the essential, often unseen, role that high-quality sample management plays in scientific progress. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to lead large operational teams, support global biopharmaceutical programs, and build services that directly safeguard research integrity.
What ultimately brought me to my current role as a leader at Astoriom was a desire to elevate the standards of sample protection on a global scale. I saw an opportunity to support the growth of a truly integrated, quality-driven organization capable of supporting customers across the full lifecycle of their research and development needs. Leading Astoriom means bringing together deep operational expertise with a strategic vision for how resilient storage solutions can strengthen scientific outcomes worldwide.”
Q. What is your favorite part of the work you’ve done in this field?
What I’ve always loved most about this field is the purpose behind the work. Every sample we protect represents years of research investment, patient participation, regulatory oversight, and ultimately, the potential for new therapies or a breakthrough discovery. Ensuring those assets remain viable isn’t a background function; it’s foundational to research success.
I’m particularly passionate about helping organizations build resilience in their storage strategies. There is enormous value in preventing avoidable disruptions, whether that’s through disaster recovery planning or geographic redundancy, or partnering with experts who can step in during unexpected events. Seeing our team help a client rescue a program or avoid a major setback is incredibly rewarding.
Q. What is your talk about?
My session explores how organizations can safeguard research samples through strategic disaster recovery planning and resilient outsourcing. I look at the types of everyday risks that threaten sample integrity, including freezer failures, power interruptions, human error, as well as the larger-scale events such as natural disasters.
I then walk through the best practices for disaster recovery strategy: Validated SOPs, pre-contracted storage capacity, tested escalation pathways, redundant logistics, and multi-site, geographically distinct biorepositories. I also share real-world examples, including emergency sample rescues and situations where storage redundancy prevented research delays. The goal is to show that with the right preparation, continuity is entirely achievable, even under highly challenging circumstances.
Q. Why do you think it’s important to discuss this topic with our audience?
This topic is essential because research organizations often don’t realize how vulnerable their samples are until something goes wrong. As pipelines expand, especially in biologics, cell and gene therapy, and personalized medicine sample value is increasing, and so is the complexity of protecting those materials.
Many labs still rely on single-site storage or untested processes, which leaves them exposed to serious research, regulatory, and financial risk. By talking openly about disaster recovery, we help teams strengthen their internal preparedness, build sustainable partnerships, and ultimately safeguard the integrity of their scientific programs.
This webinar is relevant to biopharma, biotechnology, medical devices, academic research, and any organization whose success depends on sample viability. Resilience isn’t a luxury; it’s a requirement for delivering reliable science.
Lori A. Ball is a seasoned thought-leader at Astoriom, a leading provider of high-quality, global biorepository and sample stability storage solutions. With over 30 years of experience as an accomplished executive in the CRO, sample storage, and laboratory research industries, she is leading the company’s profitable growth and global expansion in the pharmaceutical, biologics, and medical device industries. Lori’s extensive C-level experience in driving strategic initiatives and operational excellence is inspiring innovation at Astoriom and reinforcing with customers the company’s commitment to excellence in the safeguarding of valuable scientific sample assets.
Register today for free to attend Lori’s and other insightful webinars at the 2025 Outsource! Week.
