Biobanking in BC: A Deliberative Public Consultation

This consultation was held in March 2009 by an interdisciplinary research group at the University of British Columbia.

What did the Event Involve?

We invited 25 diverse members of the BC public to participate in a discussion about the collection, storage and use of human tissue samples, DNA and personal information for research purposes. The discussion ran over two weekends in March 2009. We expected no prior knowledge of the subject. We asked the participants simply to bring a willingness to listen, discuss, and share their thoughts and perspectives. On this website you will find an introduction to biobanking along with the information booklet and background readings which were mailed to participants prior to this event, as well as the workbook which participants used as a guide during the four days of deliberation.