Ethics and Biobank Application
Ethics Application
Feel free to contact us at Uppsala Biobank when you are preparing your ethics application. We are happy to provide tips and advice regarding the biobank-related aspects of the ethics application.
If you are unsure whether your research involves biobank samples, learn more about which samples are covered by the Biobank Act or contact us via info@uppsalabiobank.uu.se.
Biobank samples belonging to healthcare sample collections within Region Uppsala are organizationally and responsibility-wise affiliated with Uppsala Biobank (registration number 827 with IVO). For more information on what to consider when writing your ethics application, visit the Research Guide on Biobank Sweden and the Swedish Ethical Review Authority's website.
Biobank Application
Once the ethics application is approved, and biobank samples are to be established/registered at Uppsala Biobank, a biobank application needs to be submitted. The biobank application (L1.1 Establishment of a sample collection for research) and its accompanying documents are available at Biobank Sweden. Starting from July 1, 2023, a new Biobank Act and consequently new application templates are in effect. Always download the latest version as changes occur continuously. The same form (L1.1) is used for multicenter studies.
Instructions on how to fill out the biobank application can be found here: K4 Instructions for filling out forms L1.1 and L1.2.
How to submit an application to Uppsala Biobank?
Submit an application (unsigned in Word format) for the establishment of a sample collection for research (form L1.1) to our functional address for processing biobank applications. The biobank application and relevant attachments, along with the ethics application (and any amendment applications), decisions, research participant information, and consent section, should be sent to the email address: uppsalabiobank@regionuppsala.se.
Research Participant Information
It is crucial to inform a patient/research participant about the purpose of a research study and what it entails for the research participant. The information should be presented clearly, simply, and objectively.
The written information should complement the oral communication. In addition, it is important to tailor the information to the individual's age and ability to comprehend. The Swedish Ethical Review Authority (EPM) has developed an example of how research participant information might look, available on the EPM's website. The research participant information should include details about the storage of samples in the biobank, who is the owner of the biobank, and who is responsible for personal data.