On 17 November 2025, the German Biobank Network (GBN) will launch the sixth round of its online course on the edX Edge training platform: "Biobanking - Basics for Theory and Practice". Participation is open to all employees of GBN partner and observer biobanks. The course is also available in English.
Comprehensive introduction to biobanking
"Biobanking - Basics for Theory and Practice" is based on the online course "Biospecimen Research Methods" from the Canadian Office of Biobank Education and Research (OBER). The Canadian version was translated into German and the content adapted to the framework conditions in Germany. "Biobanking - Basics for Theory and Practice" is a learning programme for employees from all biobanking areas that uses methods such as videos, quizzes, infographics and self-tests.
The course covers all important biobanking topics such as acceptance, release, storage, processing of biosamples and data systems. It is particularly suitable for new employees and consists of five modules:
- Overview of research with biosamples
- Biospecimen collection and processing
- Storage and provision of biosamples
- Data systems and documentation management
- Ethics, data protection and informed consent
The time required per module is approximately two to four hours. In order to deepen the topics covered, reference is made at appropriate points to further GBN webinars or to the information and templates provided.
To successfully complete the course, which is confirmed by a certificate, the examination tasks must be completed by 16 January 2026. There is also an optional final exam that applies the knowledge learnt to an application example.
Any number of employees per GBN biobank site can register. If you would like to take part, please send an email to germanbiobanknetwork@charite.de (subject line: edX course registration). You will then receive a confirmation email with further information. The registration deadline is 12 November 2025.