Our Topics
Genomic Medicine and Biobanks
The TMF has been providing important momentum in biobanks and genomic medicine for 25 years. For example, it coordinates 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, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus KielGenomic medicine is an emerging medical discipline that uses genomic information in clinical care, e.g., for diagnostic or therapeutic decisions.
Introduction of the Biobanks Workgroup
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 Biobanks workgroup has set itself the task of creating a broad forum for all types of biobanking.
TMF Publication Series: Informed Consent and Research Information for the Collection of Animal Samples
In order to sensitize researchers to the legal context in which they operate, the book published in the TMF publication series explains in understandable language which legal issues are affected in the scientifically relevant sample collection scenarios and the further processing of accompanying sample data. The spectrum of topics ranges from the obligation to notify and report animal diseases to the rights of use and utilization of the samples.
Introduction of the Medical Bioinformatics and Systems Medicine Workgroup
Since its foundation in 2007, the Medical Bioinformatics and Systems Medicine workgroup (previously: Molecular Medicine workgroup) has been dedicated to questions of molecular data management, including their linkage with clinical data in the context of disease-oriented genome research. Due to the development of increasingly efficient high-throughput methods for genotyping, the amount of data to be analyzed is growing immensely, as well as the corresponding legal, ethical, organizational, and qualitative requirements. The workgroup has carried out several projects on this topic and engaged in an ongoing exchange of experience.
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.
Image Sources: © Peter Nadolski/Shutterstock.com