Overview
Objectives
- Acquire the knowledge and competencies required for the set-up, implementation, and day-to-day management of a biobank
- Speak a common language in the field of biobanks and gain in-depth comprehension of the different types and functions of biobanks, with the aim of understanding and designing the different steps involved in setting up a biobank in a specific context
- Develop the skills required to design the practical implementation, day-to-day management, and continuous improvement of biobanking management, by applying the concepts covered in practical case studies
Audience
Beginners to specialized professionals in Switzerland and abroad, working with biological samples and wishing to acquire harmonized and proper knowledge and competencies in biobanking: medical doctors, biologists, biochemists, pharmacists, researchers, biobank managers, data managers, clinical investigators, ethics committees, patient organisations, etc.
Programme
- The Basics of biobanking (100% online - January 2025, Self-Paced Learning)
- Implementation of the biobanking processes (April 2025)
- Professional management of a biobank (September 2025)
Diploma awarded
The Certificate of Advanced Studies in Biobanking / le Certificat de formation continue en Biobanking is granted by the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Geneva upon decision by the Steering Committee once all requirements of the programme regulations have been met by the participant and fees have been paid.
Registration
Registration deadline
29 November 2024
Modules can be followed individually
Module 1 is mandatory in order to attend modules 2 and 3
Fees:
- CAS: CHF 6000.-
- Module 1: CHF 1000.-
- Module 2: CHF 2000.-
- Module 3: CHF 3000.-
Admission criteria
Candidates eligible for admission to the CAS or for one or more individual modules must meet one of the following requirements:
- Hold a university master's degree in biology or medicine, a license or diploma in a relevant field from a Swiss university, or a title from a foreign university deemed equivalent by the Steering Committee
- Hold a master's degree from a Swiss Haute Ecole Spécialisée (HES) in a relevant field, or a title deemed equivalent by the Steering Committee
- Hold a bachelor's degree (university baccalaureate) from a Swiss university or HES in a relevant field, or a title deemed equivalent by the Steering Committee and provide proof of a full-time professional experience of at least 3 years
Application File
- Copy of ID/passport
- Photo
- CV
- Cover letter
- Copy of diplomas
Cancellation Policy
Any withdrawal before the start of the programme will incur a cancellation fee of CHF 400.00. Enrollment fee will be payable in full once the course has begun.
Cursus
Period
January 2025 - December 2025
Credits
12 ECTS credits
Description
- Recognise the importance of biobanks in improving research quality
- Understand the different types of biobanks and be aware of the main biobanking networks
- Master the ethical and legal framework relevant to biobanking
- Integrate the governance requirements for the implementation of a biobank
This module is designed for actors (e.g. PhDs, physicians, clinical researchers, ethics committees, patient organisations) having an interest in learning about the basics of biobanking (Beginner)
Description
- Recongnize and understand how to use the different types of consent
- Know and implement the required documentation to be set up
- Establish the technical and logistical aspects to ensure the exploitation of a biobank and guarantee the quality of the conserved resources
- Manage and maintain the resources necessary for a successful biobank operation
Module 2 is oriented to participants having followed Module 1 or professionals dealing with biological sample management (Intermediate).
Description
- Recognize the processes and resources involved in the professional management of a biobank
- Understand and implement a QMS, measure its effectiveness and ensure continuous improvement
- Select the appropriate standards in adequacy with the defined quality objectives
Module 3 targets professionals having followed the previous modules, such as biobank managers, quality control officers, clinical unit managers (Advanced).
Pedagogical method
- E-learning
- Online interactive teaching, promoting interaction among peers and with teachers and experts
- A combination of lectures, case studies and individual practical excercises performed online
Intervenant-es
- Teaching and Research Members of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Geneva
- International experts in the field of biobanking from the Swiss and European SBP Network, and from the Pasteur Network
Partnerships / Collaboration
Partnership
Institut Pasteur, Swiss Biobanking Platform, Fondation HSeT
Director(s)
Prof. Caroline SAMER and Prof. Jean VILLARD, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva
Coordinator(s)
Valeria DI COLA, University of Geneva
Steering committee
Academic Members
- Prof. Carlo R. LARGIADÈR, Head of Liquid Biobank Bern, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital
- Prof. Walter REITH, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Health Sciences e-Training Foundation (HSeT)
Experts
- Dr Christine CURRAT, Executive Director of the Swiss Biobanking Platform (SBP)
- Prof. Hervé BOURHY, Institut Pasteur (IP) Paris
- Dr Monica SALA, Institut Pasteur (IP) Paris
- M. Julien VIRZI, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva University Hospitals (HUG)
Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals
