Fundamental Considerations for Biobank Legacy Planning

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Research
• Data Management
• Biobanking Operations

Background:

• Biobanking is crucial for research, involving collection and storage of biospecimens and data.
• Biospecimens are stored for varying durations, from project-specific terms to perpetuity.
• Legacy planning addresses the critical phase following biobank closure or operational changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline fundamental considerations for preparing and executing biobank legacy plans.
• To facilitate dialogue on best practices and policy development in biobanking legacy planning.
• To emphasize the importance of legacy planning for the responsible management of research resources.

Main Methods:

• Review of biobanking operations, ethical, legal, financial, and governance parameters.
• Identification of key decision points for material transfer or destruction.
• Discussion of considerations for finite collections and perpetual storage.

Main Results:

• Legacy planning is essential due to the complexity and cost of biobanking.
• Decisions regarding material transfer or destruction are critical outcomes of legacy planning.
• Effective legacy plans address operational, ethical, legal, financial, and governance aspects.

Conclusions:

• Every biobanking entity must consider legacy planning for sustainable resource management.
• Proactive legacy planning ensures the appropriate utilization of donated biospecimens.
• This article serves as a foundation for future best practices and policy development in biobank legacy planning.