The members of the Scientific and Ethical Advisory Board (SEAB) congratulated the German Biobank Node (GBN) and the German Biobank Alliance (GBA) on their dynamic development over the past year. "For several years we have seen continuity in the work of the GBN and the GBA," said Dominic Allen in his closing speech. The third meeting of the current funding period took place on 14 September in Berlin. SEAB members Dominic Allen, Prof. Dr. Christopher Baum, Dr. Fay Betsou, Prof. Dr. Jens K. Habermann, Dr. Stefanie Houwaart, Prof. Kristian Hveem and Dr. Morris Swertz exchanged views on the work of GBN/GBA and discussed future perspectives.

SEAB members were particularly impressed by the diversity of outcomes, ranging from very practical "hands-on" offers, especially for biobankers, to new concepts and ideas. At the same time, they praised the even stronger focus on European cooperation, which was clearly visible in all areas of work.

It was the first meeting for Prof. Dr. Jens K. Habermann as a member of the SEAB. The Director General of the European biobank network BBMRI-ERIC succeeds Prof. Dr Kurt Zatloukal, who left the Advisory Board due to his retirement. In his welcome address, GBN Director Prof. Dr. Michael Hummel acknowledged Zatloukal's many years of commitment and thanked him for his close scrutiny and numerous suggestions. With Habermann, the  Advisory Board has gained an experienced science manager and biobanker with a European perspective.