Building Trust and Managing Risks: Enhancing Governance in Biobanking

Biobanks are essential repositories for biological samples and health data and are pivotal in advancing medical research. The effective operation of biobanks depends critically on the participation and trust of individuals willing to donate their biological materials. Key challenges include maintaining participant trust, securing ongoing engagement, and managing potential data and biological material handling risks. Factors such as public perceptions, ethical issues, and governance models significantly influence the levels of cooperation from participants. All these factors need continuous assessment and adaptation to foster sustainable biobanking practices.

This Research Topic aims to deeply investigate the dynamics of trust and engagement in biobanking contexts, identify the principal drivers behind participant cooperation, and outline robust governance and risk management methodologies. The goal is to propose solutions that not only bolster trust and cooperation but also enhance the ethical foundations and operational efficacy of biobanks.

To achieve comprehensive coverage of the subject matter, the scope of this research topic is precisely defined. We concentrate on elucidating the mechanisms and strategies crucial for:
• Building long-lasting trust between biobanks and their contributors.
• Encouraging participant engagement through transparent practices and responsive governance.

We welcome contributions that address, but are not limited to, the following themes:
• Strategies for Trust Building: Innovative approaches to establish and maintain trust.
• Motivation for Participation: Key incentives that attract individuals to biobanking projects, particularly through genetic testing.
• Governance and Risk Management: Evaluation of policy frameworks that ensure ethical standards and protect participants.
• Participant Engagement: Techniques to sustain interaction and satisfaction among contributors over time.
• Policy and Ethical Considerations: Impact of trust and engagement on biobanking policies and ethical guidelines.
• Governance and Trust Building: Strategies to strengthen institutional capacity and participant engagement in biobanking in developing countries.

Together, these themes will help enhance the strategic governance of biobanks and ensure their successful operation by aligning with the needs and expectations of their participants.