The catalogue project will be conducted within a one-year period (May 2014–May 2015) and aims to develop and implement a global biobank catalogue to register, store, and track bio-resources in each BCNet member′s biobank.
The design of the data model of the catalogue will be in accordance with pre-established standards for biobank data representation and sharing (MIABIS 2.0) as well as other standards for biomedical research. It will contribute to the efficient use and re-use of bio-resources as well as promote collaboration between BCNet members and scientists worldwide.
Background
- IARC holds one of the largest sample collections in the world, with approximately 7 million biological samples from about 2 million individuals from several continents.
- BCNet members′ laboratories and facilities are distributed over 16 countries, making it difficult to trace and identify samples and associated data for inclusion in multicentre studies.
- Biobanking and Biomolecular Resources Research Infrastructure (BBMRI-ERIC) has experience in harmonization and standardization of biobanking in Europe. A standard for biobank data sharing called MIABIS (Minimum Information About Biobank Data Sharing) has been designed, and it will be the de facto standard for sharing data among biobanks all over Europe. The standard provides a formal representation of the main components needed for sharing biomedical research data and biobank data.
- In addition, BBMRI has vast experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), the implementation of legal and ethical frameworks for protection of personal and scientific data, and their implementation in informatics systems.
Specific Objectives
- Design a catalogue for registering and keeping track of BCNet bio-resources.
- Create a data management policy that defines the users and access to the catalogue data.
- Facilitate data transfer from LIMS, databases, etc. to the catalogue′s database.
- Promote collaboration between research institutions.
- Facilitate quality control, management, and tracking of the use and re-use of bio-resources.
- Provide the required software documentation and training for efficient use of the software.
- Create a systematic way to upgrade and update the software beyond the project′s lifetime.
A prototype will be developed and refined into a final product, and BCNet members will be trained on the use of the catalogue.