Governance & Ethics
The Basel Liver Biobank operates in full compliance with Swiss federal law, including the Human Research Act (HFG) and the Federal Data Protection Act (DSG), and follows the ethical principles of the Declaration of Taipei (2016).
Governance Structure
- Overall leadership: Prof. Dr. med. Markus Heim, Head of Hepatology Research Group, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel
- Operational leadership: Hepatology Research Group, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel
- Resource Management Committee: Prof. Markus Heim (chair), Dr. Sandro Nuciforo, Dr. Lukas Kübler
Data Protection
All biological resources are stored in pseudonymised form. No personal information about participants is shared with researchers. The encryption key is held exclusively by Prof. Markus Heim.
Consent
All samples were collected with voluntary informed consent. Participants may withdraw consent at any time. Samples and data of participants who withdraw consent are destroyed.
Sample Storage
All biological samples are stored in secure research facilities at the Centre for Teaching and Research (Zentrum für Lehre und Forschung), University Hospital Basel. Access to storage areas is restricted and controlled by badge and key systems. Storage temperatures are monitored continuously (24/7) with a central alarm system connected to the University Hospital Basel security centre. Backup ultra-low temperature freezers and liquid nitrogen tanks are maintained to ensure sample integrity at all times.
Documents
The full Biobank Regulation (Reglement) is available for download below.