The biobanks of the German Biobank Alliance (GBA) have successfully installed a beta version of the so-called bridgehead and are currently developing processes to transfer the data from their biomaterial samples to the bridgeheads. In future, scientists will be able to search for sample data across all locations. Such a search has now been conducted for the first time using test data.
Behind this seemingly simple search function is a complex IT structure: relevant partial information in the biobanks’ local databases is identified, extracted and made available for queries within the bridgeheads. At the system’s core is a “broker” that processes the search queries. Researchers seeking samples describe their project and the samples and data they require to this central search broker. The biobanks then respond if they are able to supply a certain number of samples. Enquirers are also able to consult biobank staff via a central chat function.
The successful beta test constitutes an important milestone in the development of the GBA’s IT infrastructure.
