Web meeting: Position paper on biobanking 
10 October 2023, 5-6:30 p.m.
Online

In this web meeting, a position paper on biobanking will be presented, which was jointly written by representatives of the German Biobank Node (GBN), the biobanks of the German Biobank Alliance (GBA) and patient organisations.

One aim of the initiative is to ensure that the collection, processing and storage of human biospecimens for biomedical research projects is primarily carried out by quality-assured academic biobanks. Unfortunately, research projects still too often set up their own freezers and do this themselves. The quality of the samples is often inadequate and the material is not available to other researchers. Yet optimal sample quality and sample use are the basis for rapid innovation and effective and safe therapies. This progress in medical research is also in line with the wishes of sample donors, whose involvement in research using biobanks should also be increased. Additionally, there is room for improvement in the cooperation of research infrastructures in the field of biobanking. Last but not least, the communication of research results to the general public should be improved.

The resulting position paper is aimed at funding agencies, researchers and health insurance associations. The web meeting on 10 October will provide an opportunity to provide feedback on the paper. We are also looking for further supporters/co-signatories, especially from patient organisations.

If you are interested in participating, please send an email to the GBN office. You will then receive the dial-in details. The meeting will be held in German.