Exploring a Global Imaginary of Biobanking

• In Event: Collating Publics In Collections Of Human Biological Material And Data 2

Abstract

The networking of biobanks of human biological materials and data is driven by multiple factors, including scientific necessity for building large or rare collections, and operational and governance purposes. Biobanks may choose to network regionally, nationally or internationally. The act of doing so influences the production of biobanking publics and imaginaries, as well as what such concepts might mean in this context.
Presenting findings from a national study of biobanks and global networking, we will explore stakeholder practices and views on:
* how Australian biobanks collect, store and exchange human biological materials and data
* the nature and purpose of these biobank collections, including those defined by organ/tissue, disease/condition, or population, and from whom materials and data are gathered
* whether, why and how Australian biobanks network across global borders
* the ethical and legal frameworks that are formed by these biobanks to support the local and global flows of human biological materials and data, knowledge, finances and infrastructure.
The empirical work of this research project includes surveys of Australian biobankers, donors and members of the general public, as well as interviews with these stakeholders. Theories of globalisation inform our analysis.
This picture of global biobanking practices and perspectives of Australian stakeholders will allow us to explore notions of a global imaginary of biobanking, including the issues of significance to stakeholders engaged with this evolving activity.

Authors

• Edwina Light, Sydney Health Ethics, University of Sydney

• Lisa Dive, Sydney Health Ethics

• Miriam Wiersma, Sydney Health Ethics

• Ian Kerridge, Sydney Health Ethics

• Wendy Lipworth, Sydney Health Ethics, University of Sydney