ISBER Best Practice-Based Education: ISBER-Canadian Tissue Repository Network Introduction to Biobanking

Training in biobanking in the context of modern medical education

The development of biomedical research based on predictive, preventive and personalized medicine has served as a challenge to the formation and rapid development of a novel interdisciplinary scientific area  — biobanking, the main goal of which is the long-term proper storage of biological samples and related data for use in scientific and clinical research. Qualified personnel, along with the creation and development of biobank infrastructure, provide high-quality results required for biomedicine. Education and training must reflect the changing scope of knowledge and adapt to biobanking challenges. In this regard, there is an increasing need to develop and implement educational programs for staff working in and managing biobanks, as well as researchers, doctors and students who are not familiar with this area, but plan research using bioresources. The aim of this review is to present an analysis of the main biobanking directions and training programs in the world and in Russia in order to assess the existing problems and needs.

Online Training as a Means to Improve the Understanding of Ethical, Legal, and Social Aspects of Biobanking Research: Stakeholder Perspectives from South Africa

Introduction: The proliferation of biobanking activities demand a review of current training opportunities for service providers and researchers, specifically related to the ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI) of biobanking research. Such information could be useful for planning and developing an educational course. However, it is equally important to explore the platform for offering such a course. Aim and Objectives: This study explored stakeholder perspectives on training needs in biobanking research and the use of an online training platform for such educational purposes. Methods: An exploratory study design using qualitative data was used. The study sample comprised selected stakeholders (n = 25) including biobankers, clinicians, researchers, postgraduate students, and research ethics committee members. Semi-structured in-person or Skype interviews were conducted and all ethical considerations were upheld. The interview focused on participants' perspectives on the accessibility and applicability of current available courses, and advantages and disadvantages of online biobanking courses. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results and Discussion: The following themes arose from data analysis: inadequate availability of online courses, and advantages and disadvantages of online courses and opportunities for a successful training course. There was general consensus regarding the limited availability of context-specific training opportunities on the ELSI of biobanking. The majority of participants were previously self-taught and therefore relied on existing literature and collaborations with international biobanking groups for ongoing learning. Some respondents indicated that the costs of such available training courses were exorbitant. Some respondents also felt that available courses were not tailored to the specific needs of a diverse audience in biobanking. Apart from access, respondents reported possible challenges with internet connectivity and availability of data. Conclusion: Respondents expressed a need for affordable and focused online educational opportunities in biobanking, but highlighted that these courses need to be contextualized and integrated into other learning activities.

Harmonization of Biobank Education for Biobank Technicians: Identification of Learning Objectives

The quality of biospecimens stored in a biobank depends tremendously on the technical personnel responsible for processing, storage, and release of biospecimens. Adequate training of these biobank employees would allow harmonization of correct sample handling and thus ensure a high and comparable quality of samples across biobank locations. However, in Germany there are no specific training opportunities for technical biobank staff. To understand the educational needs of the technical personnel a web-based survey was sent to all national biobanks via established e-mail registers. In total, 79 biobank employees completed the survey, including 43 technicians. The majority of the participating technical personnel stated that they had worked in a biobank for less than three years and had never participated in an advanced training. Three-quarters of the technicians indicated that they were not able to understand English content instantly. Based on these results and the results of a workshop with 16 biobank technicians, 41 learning objectives were formulated. These learning objectives can be used as a basis for advanced training programs for technical personnel in biobanks. Setting up courses based on the identified learning objectives for this group of biobank staff could contribute to harmonization and sustainability of biospecimen quality.

The International Teaching and Practice of Cryobiology and Biobankology Course in China

In the past 10 years, clinical biobanks have experienced increasing expansion in China. Demand for systematically educated biobanking professionals is a priority for Chinese biobanks' agenda. The cryobiology and biobankology course is the first semester-long course in China, designed and developed at Central South University with international cooperation. Leading professors were from China, the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada to teach the latest version of biobanking knowledge and skills around the globe. This course is a comprehensive elective course with six specific teaching modules, which is suitable for graduate students majoring in basic medical sciences, clinical medicine, life sciences, mechanical engineering, and biomedical engineering, who would like to seek biobanking careers in the future. Participants from China, Czech Republic, Ghana, Madagascar, Tanzania, South Sudan, and Israel attended the course. Through taking this course, students can broaden their international academic horizons and cultivate the ability to learn and apply the knowledge of biology, medicine, and engineering to analyze and explain the low-temperature biology and clinical samples-based research practice. At the same time, the course enables students to realize the importance of multidisciplinary fields of biobanking and the significance of innovative precision medicine research, and further enlightens students' enthusiasm to pursue biobanking professional careers, and in the future they can proudly call themselves "biobankers."

Canadian Tissue Repository Network Biobank Certification Program: Update and Review of the Program from 2011 to 2018

The Canadian Tissue Repository Network (CTRNet) Biobank Certification Program was first launched in 2011 to foster translational research through improved access to high quality biospecimens. This was accomplished by creating and providing biobank education and through the establishment and deployment of common standards to harmonize biospecimen quality and approaches to governance. The CTRNet program comprises registration and certification steps as two linked phases. In the two-step registration phase, the biobank is registered into the system, and an individual completes an overview educational module. In the subsequent certification phase, biobanks undergo a seven-step process, including inviting team members, assigning and completing relevant education modules, uploading documents, and undergoing a documentation audit. As of June 2018, there were 251 biobanks engaged in the CTRNet program, 193 had completed registration, and 40 were fully certified. Over 3/4 of these biobanks completed registration within a week and over 1/3 completed certification within a month. Among registered biobanks, 163 were associated with North American institutions, while 30 were from other international locations, including Australia, Europe, and Asia. The CTRNet program enables biobanks to adopt standards with a flexible approach to accommodate different types of biobanks and a measured investment of effort, creating the foundation for increased access to high quality biospecimens.