Applying Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable Principles to Biospecimens and Biobanks.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Research
• Data Science
• Biobanking

Background:

• The findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR) principles are widely adopted for health research data.
• Biospecimens are critical resources generating health research data and should also adhere to FAIR principles.
• Current practices show a significant lack of biospecimen resource sharing, hindering research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore barriers limiting the availability of FAIR biospecimens.
• To identify solutions for increasing biospecimen resource sharing.
• To highlight the benefits of improved biospecimen sharing for health research.

Main Methods:

• Exploration of barriers related to biospecimen collection types, custodian characteristics, ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI).
• Analysis of research context, costs, and expertise required for repurposing collections.
• Review of implemented and proposed solutions for enhancing biospecimen sharing.

Main Results:

• Barriers to FAIR biospecimen sharing include collection characteristics, custodian attitudes, ELSI concerns, research context, and resource requirements.
• Implemented solutions include enhanced biospecimen locators and transfer to centralized biobanks.
• Proposed solutions involve improved publication database search functions and evidence-based justifications for new collections.

Conclusions:

• Addressing barriers to biospecimen sharing is essential for efficient health research.
• Implementing FAIR principles for biospecimens can mitigate redundant research funding and improve productivity.
• Enhanced sharing of biospecimen collections will benefit funding, productivity, and overall progress in health research.