Course: “Biobank Samples in Medical Research” (1.5 credits)

The course is primarily aimed at doctoral students in the field of medicine/pharmacy (or equivalent) who are conducting or intending to conduct research on biobank samples, as well as other personnel working with or coming into contact with biobank samples. A new biobank law has been in effect since 1 July, 2023, which entails changes in the areas of information and consent, expansion of the scope, and the possibility for the research principal investigator to become the biobank principal investigator directly. An expanded scope means that even (traceable) samples taken outside of healthcare are now covered by the biobank law.

The course consists of lectures, site visits, and a group project (mandatory for course certificates and credits), which will be presented orally. There is also the option to participate in parts of the week (course certificates are not included, and availability is subject to space). The lectures cover topics such as:

• Laws and regulations (including the Biobank Act, the Ethics Review Act, GDPR, and the EU Regulation on Clinical Trials)
  
• How to apply for access to samples - application forms and documents
• Information from research support units at Uppsala University Hospital and Uppsala University
• Prospective biobanking
• Research projects in various subject areas using biobank samples
• Opportunities and limitations of new analytical techniques
• Factors affecting sample quality
• Healthcare-integrated biobank services, etc
• Information and site visits to the Academic Laboratory (clinical chemistry and pharmacology, and clinical pathology), as well as Uppsala Biobank’s freezer facility
  

Language

The course is in Swedish

Registration

If you are a doctoral student, you register via the Medfarm course database.

Researchers/other personnel register via email to the course coordinator, Linda Paavilainen. Please include your name, job title, department, preference for full or partial participation and contact information.

Cost

The course is free of charge for employees of the Region/University.

Course certificate/1.5 credits

Participants who complete the entire course will receive a course certificate. Doctoral student at Uppsala University will also receive 1.5 credits via your course certificate (if desired). Students registered at other higher education institutions may transfer credits, but please check with your department before the course starts (a course certificate is always included upon course completion).

Questions

Feel free to contact course leader Linda Paavilainen via email or phone.