The members of the Scientific and Ethical Advisory Board (SEAB) applauded the work of the German Biobank Node (GBN) and the German Biobank Alliance (GBA). "When evaluating the German Biobank Node and the German Biobank Alliance, the image of a long-distance runner comes to mind. There has been remarkable continuity, stamina and direction in what has been achieved," said Dominic Allen in the closing speech at the last meeting of the Advisory Board.

As an umbrella organisation of German biobanks, the Advisory Board members see GBN well equipped for the future. "The link with the Berlin Institute of Health is a great success. It will also provide a link within the German system of health and research of which biobanking is an important part," commented Dominic Allen on the integration of GBN into BIH from 2024. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is funding GBN's work during the transition phase from 2021 to 2023 with 3.5 million euros.

The fourth and last meeting of the Scientific Advisory Board during the past funding phase took place on 16 September 2020. Due to the Corona pandemic, SEAB members Dominic Allen, Dr. Fay Betsou, Johann Eder, Dr. Stefanie Houwaart, Prof. Kristian Hveem, Prof. Dr. Jochen Taupitz and Prof. Dr. Kurt Zatloukal exchanged information virtually about the results of GBN/GBA and discussed the future perspective.

The first meeting during the new funding phase is planned for September 2021. Starting this year, Prof. Dr. Christopher Baum will strengthen the Advisory Board as a new member. Baum took office as Chairman of the BIH Board on 1 October 2020. With him, the GBN Scientific Advisory Board gains an experienced science manager and proven expert in translational and molecular medicine and gene therapy.

You can read the complete feedback of the Scientific Advisory Board here.