Figure 1 depicts primary researchers feeding data and samples into a biobank and secondary researchers accessing data/samples from the biobank for further research. This illustrates the relationship among these 3 types of entities: (1) primary researcher(s) or collection site, (2) biobank, and (3) secondary researcher(s). Together these entities comprise a biobank research system, which is more encompassing than the biobank itself. Although biobanks differ considerably in their structure, the 3-stage schema depicted in Figure 1 is common and facilitates discussion of ethical responsibilities. Note that some biobanks collect the data and/or samples themselves, eliminating stage 1, the separate primary researchers/collection sites; this variation is depicted by the arrow running directly from contributors to the biobank. In addition, some biobanks perform research themselves without involvement of secondary researchers, eliminating stage 3.
