Infrastructure
The IT infrastructure of the German Biobank Network (GBN) consists of a federated network of so-called bridgeheads. These are data integration servers that are established by each biobank and populated with relevant data from the biobank (sample data) and from clinical systems (clinical data) at the site. Operation takes place under the local sovereignty of the sites, which retain full control over their samples and data. The data protection concept outlines how the data protection and data security requirements of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (EU GDPR) are met. The data protection concept and further documents can be found here. The current data set is stored on SIMPLIFIER and is also linked here in the overview of a table.
The underlying open source software for the central and local components of the infrastructure is being continuously developed in cooperation with BBMRI-ERIC (Common Service IT) and the German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ). The source code is available here. The implementation guide describes how a biobank is connected to the Sample Locator and which requirements must be met. It also contains step-by-step instructions.
Sample Locator
Researchers use a decentralised search via the Sample Locator 's central search interface to find biosamples and data for their scientific projects ("feasibility request"). The "bridgeheads" of the biobanks analyse the search queries and identify potentially suitable samples. Further information on the Sample Locator can be found here.
Authentication and Negotiator
After a successful feasibility enquiry via the Sample Locator, users log in to contact the biobanks relevant to them and refine their enquiry. The Negotiator was developed for this purpose. Registration takes place via the German Research Network (DFN). The Negotiator allows enquirers to communicate effectively with several biobanks simultaneously, while the biobanks can also provide information on the availability of samples/data confidentially.
Bridgehead with Store and Connector
The bridgehead implemented in the biobanks consists of a store, in which the data is stored, and a connector. The data is harmonised in accordance with the international HL7-FHIR® standard to ensure the greatest possible interoperability. This is achieved via a local ETL process (extraction, transformation, loading). The implementation guide contains detailed information on the technical implementation of data harmonisation and local installation of a bridgehead.
Directory
The BBMRI-ERIC directory provides an overview of biobanks relevant to biomedical research in BBMRI-ERIC member states. In addition to contact details, biobanks also provide aggregated information on sample collections in this centralised register. Biobanks connected to the GBN's IT infrastructure can automatically update the information in the directory. As with the Sample Locator, communication between researchers and biobanks takes place via the Negotiator. Further information on the directory can be found here.