Genommedizin & Biobanken

Our Topics

Genomic Medicine and Biobanks

The TMF has been providing important momentum in biobanks and genomic medicine for 25 years. For example, it coordinated the flagship project genomDE to establish a nationwide platform for medical genome sequencing. In addition, the TMF workgroups develop important standards, expert reports, and recommendations on the development of molecular medicine and biobanking that support the work of scientists.

Prof. Dr. Michael Krawczak, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel

Genomic medicine is an emerging medical discipline that uses genomic information in clinical care, e.g., for diagnostic or therapeutic decisions.

Prof. Dr. Michael Krawczak, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel

TMF Workgroup Biobanks

Centralized clinical biobanks are the central link between patient care and biomedical research. Population-based biobanks form the basis for the clarification of disease predispositions. The TMF Workgroup Biobanks has set itself the task of creating a broad forum for all types of biobanking.

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TMF Workgroup Medical Bioinformatics and Systems Medicine

The TMF Workgroup Medical Bioinformatics and Systems Medicine focuses on issues related to molecular data management, including their linkage with clinical data in the context of disease-oriented genome research.

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National Biobanking Symposium

National Biobanking Symposium

At the National Biobanking Symposium, the German biobank community meets once a year to advance synergies for scientific, interdisciplinary exchange as well as with industry and the public. Topics include networking at regional and national levels, standardization, harmonization, quality management, IT infrastructures, and dialogue with relevant stakeholders.

Biobanking Symposium 2026

Projects on the Topic [German only]

The TMF is a coordinating body for strategically relevant collaborative research projects at national and international levels. It is also involved in many small and large research projects as a specialized partner with a high level of expertise, particularly in legal, data protection, and ethical issues. In addition, it is involved in the development of concepts and project ideas for ministries and scientific institutions - regionally, nationally, and internationally.

Third-Party Funded Project

Since October 1, 2021, TMF has been coordinating a consortium of high-ranking experts for the conceptual development of genomDE – a nationwide platform for medical genome sequencing that will initially focus on rare diseases and oncological diseases. In addition to leading medical networks and professional associations, patient associations with their specific concerns are also involved in the project. The concept is to be implemented as an innovative component of future standard care in Germany. The legally anchored model project for genome sequencing § 64e SGB V serves as proof of concept for this.

Drittmittelprojekt

Mit einer Personal­abordnung ist die TMF am Projekt „Biobanking and BioMolecular Resources Research Infrastructure – European Research Infrastructure Consortium“ beteiligt. Irene Schlünder, wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin für Bioethik und Internationales in der TMF-Geschäftsstelle, arbeitet in diesem europäischen Infra­struktur­projekt im Common Service ELSI (Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues), in dem Support für europäische Biobanken insbesondere zu Fragen des Datenschutzrechts und der Bioethik angeboten wird.

Statements on the Topic [German only]

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