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Methods in Biobanking pp 1–37Cite as

Genetic Research and Biobanks

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Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology ((MIMB,volume 675))

Abstract

Human biobanks, and genetic research databases, as referred to by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), are essential tools for modern biomedical research. Biobanks may consist in collections created in clinical diagnosis (such as pathology tissue samples in hospitals) or collections created for large-scale longitudinal research (such as the UK Biobank). Human tissue collections are regulated by a patchwork of national laws. However, there is an increasing international uniformity in national privacy laws based on 1980s OECD standards. There are similar uniform standards developing in national research ethics guidelines. As biobanks develop collaborations and linkages, international harmonisation of legislation and human research regulation will be required across jurisdictions. It is essential that international public trust is maintained in biobanking research.

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Acknowledgements

This article has been prepared with the support of Australian Research Council Discovery Grant DP 0559760. Acknowledge­ment also to Professors T Caulfield, AV Campbell, GL Laurie, M Arbyn, and Associate Professor T Kaan Sheun-Hung for their invaluable contributions, insights, and comments.

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  1. Faculty of Law, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia

    Don Chalmers

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  1. Don Chalmers
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  1. , Bio Banking and Molecular Resource, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 205 02, Sweden

    Joakim Dillner

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Chalmers, D. (2011). Genetic Research and Biobanks. In: Dillner, J. (eds) Methods in Biobanking. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 675. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-423-0_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-423-0_1

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