title: Genomic Databases and Biobanks in Israel.
abstract: Large-scale biobanks represents an important scientific and medical as well as a commercial opportunity. However, realizing these and other prospects requires social, legal, and regulatory conducive climate, as well as a capable scientific community and adequate infrastructure. Israel has been grappling with the appropriate approach to establishing such a repository, and debates over the governance, structure, finance, and mode of operation shed a bright light on the underlying social norms, civic engagement and scientific clout in steering a governmental response to pressing medical needs. The article presents the backdrop of the Israeli scene, and explores the reasons and forces at work behind the current formulation of the Israeli National Biobank, MIDGAM.
authors.affiliation: Professor of Law at the University of Virginia School of Law and the Director of the Center for Health Law, Bioethics and Health Policy at Ono Academic College in Israel. He is a Member of the Israeli National Committee on Human Subject Research and Commissioner of the Israel National Bioethics Council. He earned his medical and law degrees from Tel Aviv University and doctorate degree in law from the University of Virginia.
authors.forename: Gil
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Siegal
mesh_terms: D022126:Access to Information / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D018070:Biological Specimen Banks / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000458:organization & administration; D003219:Confidentiality / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D030541:Databases, Genetic / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D036281:Genetic Research / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D007557:Israel