CAS Biobanking 2025

This training aims to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for establishing and managing a biobank. Its goal is to enhance the quality, management, and networking of biobanks in clinical laboratory medicine and research.

Information

Period

January 2025 - December 2025
12 ECTS credits
360 hours of study

Language

English

Format

Distance learning

Registration

Registration deadline

15 October 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.-

Contribution to the SDGs

Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

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)

Director(s)

Prof. Caroline SAMER and Prof. Jean VILLARD,  Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva

Coordinator(s)

Valeria DI COLA, University of Geneva

Partnership

Institut Pasteur, Swiss Biobanking Platform, Fondation HSeT
The Basics of Biobanking, Dr. Christine Joye
CAS in Biobanking, Prof. Jean Villard

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

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.

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

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)

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.


  • 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
The Basics of Biobanking, Dr. Christine Joye
CAS in Biobanking, Prof. Jean Villard

Contribution to the SDGs

Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all