Biobank collections are widely recognised as a key component of translational biomedical research and healthcare improvement. However, ensuring their long-term sustainability remains a challenge. Many research institutions face the question of how best to safeguard the continuity and relevance of these collections. Therefore, a national guideline for the evaluation of biobank collections has been developed.
Biobank collections provide high-quality biological material and data for scientific research, suppaimorting advances in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. However, the indefinite storage of collections without clear justification is not desirable from a sustainability and ethical perspective, considering factors such as storage space, costs, energy consumption and informed consent.
To determine whether a biobank collection remains future-proof and worth maintaining, periodic evaluations offer a practical solution. These assessments help research institutions manage resources effectively while maintaining the quality and usability of the collections.
This nationwide guideline provides biomedical research institutions with a framework for developing and implementing local policies for the evaluation of their biobank collections. The evaluation is based on two key principles:
It serves as a tool for structured discussions between biobank managers and other stakeholders, supporting informed decision-making regarding the retention, transfer, or discontinuation of biobank collections.
The guideline is intended for research institutions, biobank managers, policymakers, and other stakeholders involved in the management and evaluation of biobank collections. It provides practical tools to establish institutional policies and ensure the sustainable use of biobank resources.
Our Policy Officer, Joëlle Schutten, was closely involved in creating the manual. The project is now set to begin local implementation. Due to the complexity and case-specific nature of these assessments, a national approach to periodic evaluation is necessary. This guideline builds on input from relevant experts and their networks within the Health-RI Biobanks & Collections theme, including the UMCs, the Netherlands Cancer Institute, and the Princess Máxima Centre for Paediatric Oncology, the Health-RI ELSI theme, BBMRI Belgium, and BBMRI Germany.
The project is made possible by Nationaal Groeifonds Health-RI and Sectorplan Versnellen op Gezondheid, Subtheme Population- and patientcohorts.
