In medical research, compliance with data protection regulations is of crucial importance. Here, sensitive personal data, including health data, often flow together, the protection of which is required both legally and ethically. In this respect, the opinion of the data protection officer plays a central role.

The data protection officer ensures that medical research projects comply with data protection laws. She or he assesses whether the planned data collection and processing methods comply with data protection regulations. This concerns aspects such as the type of data collected, the way in which they are stored and processed, access to the data, and the ways in which they can be shared.

The opinion of the data protection officer is indispensable in that it confirms the legal correctness and ethical defensibility of the research projects. It offers researchers, subjects, and the public the assurance that the personal data of the individuals involved will be treated confidentially and protected.

This assessment is not only legally required, but also an important step in strengthening the trust of participants and the public in medical research. After all, only if people can trust that their data will be handled securely and in accordance with data protection regulations will they be willing to participate in medical research projects.

A statement by the data protection officer is thus a crucial element in medical research, ensuring that the personal data of all individuals involved are protected and respected throughout the research process. Without this oversight authority, we could jeopardize trust in medical research and people's willingness to participate in it. So it is not only a legal necessity, but also an ethical and societal one.

Please note that a Use and Access process for biospecimen use and storage will not be initiated without an opinion from the Privacy Officer. If you are not sure who is advising you on privacy issues and who is responsible for providing an opinion, please contact us at ...