Applications must be based on original, unique and timely scientific questions whose investigation critically depends on the networking of the biobanks. Applications must also provide information on the selection, development, and implementation of the IT systems. Further, they must also describe how the interoperability of the biobanks will be guaranteed.
Grantees commit to collaborate with the Swiss Biobanking Platform SBP and, in particular, to consult with the SBP on the choice of IT systems, the quality and semantic criteria, and to register with the SBP’s national biobank catalogue.
The duration of funding is limited to 24 months. The grants are awarded to support the technical development and the implementation of IT systems (IT equipment, software, licences) as well as the salaries of technical collaborators employed to implement the IT systems. Costs for the creation, expansion and maintenance of biobanks, as well as research costs associated with the investigation of the scientific questions addressed, cannot be covered.