New animated film explains biobanking for children and guardians

The German Biobank Network (GBN), together with the University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at Dresden University of Technology and the German Centre for Child and Adolescent Health (DZKJ) in Leipzig/Dresden, has published a new animated information film on the subject of biobanking for children and their guardians in German.

The short film explains in a child-friendly way why human biosamples such as blood are of great importance for medical research. It shows how these samples can help to better understand diseases, develop new therapies and improve healthcare in the long term.

Support in making an informed decision

Sample donation requires informed consent. The film clearly explains what happens to the samples and what they may be used for. It also clearly explains how personal data is protected: Samples and associated data are pseudonymised and are subject to strict legal data protection requirements.

Depending on their age, children and adolescents are included in the decision. Consent to giving samples is voluntary and can be revoked at any time.

Contribution to research

The film makes it clear that providing a sample generally offers no direct benefit for the individual person. However, it can make an important contribution to the general public by enabling research that will benefit future patients.

Collaboration as a strong signal

The newly released film is based on an animated film about biobanking developed by Biobank Graz for children in 2024. The content of the new version was adapted to the framework conditions in Germany in close collaboration with the partners involved. The production is therefore also a successful example of cross-institutional collaboration in Germany and Europe.

The film is now available for public relations purposes and as a supplementary resource for informational discussions in the context of sample collection.