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About GBN

Organisational structure

The Executive Board, the Steering Committee and the Scientific and Ethical Advisory Board support the successful operation of the research infrastructure.

Executive Board

Since 1 February 2024, the German Biobank Node (GBN) has been headed by a three-member Executive Board: PD Dr Sara Nußbeck is the spokesperson and National Node Director - she is the GBN representative to the European biobank network BBMRI-ERIC. Dr Gabriele Anton and PD Dr Dr Michael Kiehntopf are the other board members and deputies of Nußbeck. Nußbeck, Anton and Kiehntopf were elected by the Steering Committee in January 2024; their term of office is two years. Previously, Prof Dr Michael Hummel had headed the GBN since its foundation.

The Executive Board in March 2024 in Erfurt (f.l.t.r.): Dr. Gabriele Anton, PD Dr. Sara Nußbeck and PD Dr. Dr. Michael Kiehntopf.

Steering Committee

The Steering Committee (SC) supports the Executive Board and GBN in the implementation of the work programme and ensures that the biobanks of the German Biobank Alliance (GBA) work together effectively. The committee decides on  GBA matters and shapes the strategic direction. Until 2020, the SC consisted of the heads of all partner biobanks of the GBA and the IT development centres as well as Prof. Dr Michael Hummel for GBN. The rapidly growing number of biobank partners since 2019 (and -Observer since 2021) made it necessary to reduce the size of the committee. Since 2020, a new 12-member SC has been elected every two years. 

In the 2024-2025 term of office, the steering committee is consisting of the following members Dr Heidi Altmann, Dr Gabriele Anton, Dr Ronny Baber, Dr Daniel Brucker, Prof Dr Thomas Illig, Prof Dr Roland Jahns, PD Dr Dr Michael Kiehntopf, Dr Romy Kirsten, Prof Dr Martin Lablans, Prof Dr Alexandra Nieters, PD Dr Sara Nußbeck and Dr Alexandra Stege. In addition to the 12 elected members of the SC, Prof Dr Michael Hummel attends the SC meetings as a permanent guest in an advisory role.

The Steering Committee in March 2024 in Erfurt (f.l.t.r.): Prof. Dr. Thomas Illig, PD Dr. Sara Nußbeck, Dr. Romy Kirsten, Dr. Ronny Baber, Dr. Alexandra Stege, Dr. Gabriele Anton, Dr. Daniel Brucker, Prof. Dr. Alexandra Nieters, Prof. Dr. Martin Lablans, PD Dr. Michael Kiehntopf, Prof. Dr. Roland Jahns und Dr. Heidi Altmann.

Scientific and Ethical Advisory Board

The Scientific and Ethical Advisory Board (SEAB) has an advisory role in accompanying the activities of GBN and GBA while supporting the Steering Committee in strategic issues for the implementation of the work programme. The SEAB is an independent committee comprising leading international scientists and experts who act independently of their organisational affiliation.

The Scientific Advisory Board is composed of the following representatives: Dominic Allen, Christopher Baum, Fay Betsou, Johann Eder, Jens Habermann, Stefanie Houwaart, Kristian Hveem, Morris Swertz and Sebastian Graf von Kielmansegg.

The Scientific and Ethical Advisory Board of GBN/GBA in Berlin 2022 (f. l. t. r.): Christopher Baum, Kristian Hveem, Fay Betsou, Morris Swertz and Dominic Allen. Not pictured: Jens Habermann, Stefanie Houwaart, Johann Eder, Sebastian Graf von Kielmansegg

ISBER 2025 Annual Meeting

ISBER 2025 Annual Meeting & Exhibits
Northern Lights: Impact of the Global Biobanking Spectrum
12.-16. Mai 2025
Hotel Bonaventure Montreal, Quebec, Canada

ISBER is pleased to welcome the global community of biobankers to Montreal, Canada on May 12-16, 2025. This year, ISBER celebrated its 25th anniversary as the leading global forum for biobanking leadership. As we look to 2025 and beyond, we are ready to explore the profound impact biobanking has had across research, academia, industry, and society. Just as the Northern Lights illuminate the sky over Montreal, successful biobanking illuminates our understanding of the human and environmental condition through a spectrum of expertise and collaboration. Join with the international biobanking community as we reveal how successful global biobanking continues to shape the scientific and research landscape.

More information can be found here.

ISBER 2025 Annual Meeting

ISBER 2025 Annual Meeting & Exhibits
Northern Lights: Impact of the Global Biobanking Spectrum
12.-16. Mai 2025
Hotel Bonaventure Montreal, Quebec, Canada

ISBER is pleased to welcome the global community of biobankers to Montreal, Canada on May 12-16, 2025. This year, ISBER celebrated its 25th anniversary as the leading global forum for biobanking leadership. As we look to 2025 and beyond, we are ready to explore the profound impact biobanking has had across research, academia, industry, and society. Just as the Northern Lights illuminate the sky over Montreal, successful biobanking illuminates our understanding of the human and environmental condition through a spectrum of expertise and collaboration. Join with the international biobanking community as we reveal how successful global biobanking continues to shape the scientific and research landscape.

More information can be found here.

Questions?

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Tel. +49. 30. 450 536 347

Fax +49. 30. 450 753 69 38

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