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ELSI

Resources for biobanks

Ethical, legal and societal issues (ELSI) play a central role for biobanks, which have to mediate between the interests of donors of human biospecimens and researchers. 


    The collection, storage and use of human biospecimens and associated data must be ethically justifiable and legally secure. ELSI (Ethical, Legal and Societal Issues) is therefore of fundamental importance to biobanking. ELSI research and advice focuses on issues such as the rights of sample donors, data protection and public discourse. An essential prerequisite for the ethical and legal permissibility of biobanks is the consent of sample donors.  

    In Germany, the Biobanking Working Group of the Working Group of Medical Ethics Committees in the Federal Republic of Germany (AKEK) is the central body, with which the German Biobank Node (GBN) liaises on issues in this field.

    On this page, the GBN provides a collection of information, text templates and links to relevant organisations. The 'Biobanks' overview page on the AKEK website also provides a very good introduction as well as numerous materials and templates.

    Consulting and training

    Templates (in German)

    Selected publications

    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?

    [email protected]

    Tel. +49. 30. 450 536 347

    Fax +49. 30. 450 753 69 38

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