How GDPR Enhances Transparency and Fosters Pseudonymisation in Academic Medical Research

status: Published onlin

An overview of Belgian legislation applicable to biobank research and its interplay with data protection rules

This contribution aims to present in a clear and concise manner the intricate legal framework for biobank research in Belgium. In Part 1, we describe the Belgian biobank infrastructure, with a focus on the concept of biobank. In Part 2, we provide an overview of the applicable legal framework, namely the Act of 19 December 2008 on Human Body Material (HBM), and its amendments. Attention is given to an essential piece of self-regulation, namely the Compendium on biobanks issued by the Federal Agency on Medicine Products and Health (FAMPH). Furthermore, we delineate the interplay with relevant data protection rules. Part 3 is dedicated to the main research oversight bodies in the field of biobanking. In Part 4, we provides several examples of the ‘law in context’. In particular, we discuss issues pertaining to presumed consent, processing of personal data associated with HBM, and information provided to the donor of HBM. Finally, Part 5 and 6 addresses the impact of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), suggests lines for further research, and outline the future possibilities for biobanking in Belgium

An overview of Belgian legislation applicable to biobank research and its interplay with data protection rules

This contribution aims to present in a clear and concise manner the intricate legal framework for biobank research in Belgium. In Part 1, we describe the Belgian biobank infrastructure, with a focus on the concept of biobank. In Part 2, we provide an overview of the applicable legal framework, namely the Act of 19 December 2008 on Human Body Material (HBM), and its amendments. Attention is given to an essential piece of self-regulation, namely the Compendium on biobanks issued by the Federal Agency on Medicine Products and Health (FAMPH). Furthermore, we delineate the interplay with relevant data protection rules. Part 3 is dedicated to the main research oversight bodies in the field of biobanking. In Part 4, we provides several examples of the ‘law in context’. In particular, we discuss issues pertaining to presumed consent, processing of personal data associated with HBM, and information provided to the donor of HBM. Finally, Part 5 and 6 addresses the impact of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), suggests lines for further research, and outline the future possibilities for biobanking in Belgium.This contribution aims to present in a clear and concise manner the intricate legal framework for biobank research in Belgium. In Part 1, we describe the Belgian biobank infrastructure, with a focus on the concept of biobank. In Part 2, we provide an overview of the applicable legal framework, namely the Act of 19 December 2008 on Human Body Material (HBM), and its amendments. Attention is given to an essential piece of self-regulation, namely the Compendium on biobanks issued by the Federal Agency on Medicine Products and Health (FAMPH). Furthermore, we delineate the interplay with relevant data protection rules. Part 3 is dedicated to the main research oversight bodies in the field of biobanking. In Part 4, we provides several examples of the ‘law in context’. In particular, we discuss issues pertaining to presumed consent, processing of personal data associated with HBM, and information provided to the donor of HBM. Finally, Part 5 and 6 addresses the impact of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), suggests lines for further research, and outline the future possibilities for biobanking in Belgium.B

Biobanking across Europe post-GDPR : a deliberately fragmented landscape

This chapter seeks to provide insight into the ways in which Member States leveraged the regulatory discretion afforded to them by the GDPR. Specifically, it reviews the biobank regulatory environment; whether and how derogations under Article 89(2) GDPR are enabled; the legal basis for scientific research and the role of consent in biobanking post-GDPR; the balance between individual rights and public interest in national law; and finally, the GDPR’s impact and future possibilities for biobanking. In exercising self-determination, Member States can, to a certain extent, align data protection requirements with their values and aspirations. Such alignment, though, could jeopardize collaborative research. In light of the need to bridge divergent legal and ethical requirements at a national and supranational level, the role of Research Ethics Committees (RECs) might prove to be essential