News CAS Biobanking
Registrations for the 2026 edition (starting in January) are open until 1st December!
Follow our LinkedIn page for key updates and information on future editions of the CAS in Biobanking: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/cas-in-biobanking.
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
Programme
- The Basics of biobanking (100% online; January - April 2026, Self-Paced Learning)
- Implementation of the biobanking processes (April - September 2026)
- Professional management of a biobank (September 2026 - January 2027)
Diploma awarded
Registration
Registration deadline
Fees:
- CAS: CHF 6000.-
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.
Curriculum
Period
Credits
Planning
12.01.2026 – 03.04.2026
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)
Planning
20.04.2026 – 04.09.2026
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).
Planning
07.09.2026 – 15.01.2027
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
Director(s)
Prof. Caroline SAMER and Prof. Jean VILLARD, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva
Coordinator(s)
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 JOYE, 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
