ELSI

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.