A primary researcher conducting research and the researcher’s institution will be responsible for managing IFs and IRRs in that research. However, when the primary researcher is contributing data and/or samples to a biobank or like repository, the primary researcher (who may also represent a “collection site”), the biobank, and secondary researchers who access data and/or samples from the biobank are all part of a biobank research system. They each have a role to play in responsible management of IFs and IRRs as data and samples flow through the system. The biobank itself should strive to see that the biobank research system fulfills IF/IRR responsibilities, as the biobank is the central resource, with typically the longest continuous existence and funding (compared to primary and secondary researchers), contractual and operational relationships with both primary and secondary researchers, and recognized duties of custodianship, stewardship, and accountability.
