Mapping European RECs & ethics review processes for biobank-based research

Facilitating the use and exchange of biological samples and associated health data in large cross-border collaborations is essential to promoting biomedical research. However, practices for the ethical review of research projects are not harmonized across European countries and there are no systems for mutual recognition of ethical approval decisions (RECognition). Variations in legal frameworks provide an additional level of complexity to this landscape.

Thus shared information on Research Ethics Committee (REC) requirements in different EU countries is a critical element for a harmonized and collaborative environment. It leads to a need for an updated mapping of ethics review processes for biobank-based research at European level. To promote a framework of mutual RECgnition, it is key to understand the common needs and challenges and the national level REC workflows, needs and requirements.

The Task Force REC, as a part of the ELSI Services of BBMRI-ERIC dedicated to RECs͛ needs and issues, has launched a pilot survey targeting nine EEA Countries (Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Malta, Norway, United Kingdom) as the first step of an extensive European REC mapping of practices and legal landscapes for ethical approval.