On 18-19 September 2026, the HAPLO-iPS COST Action (CA21151) held a two-day Training School in Oslo focused on General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and iPSC haplobanking, bringing together researchers to discuss key ethical, legal and regulatory aspects of iPSC biobanking across Europe.
Led by Prof. Joel Glover (WG5 Leader), Prof. Heidi Beate Bentzen and Prof. Deborah Mascalzoni, the programme combined expert lectures, interactive discussions and group work. Topics included GDPR principles and their application to iPSC biobanking, research ethics for biosamples, regulatory practices across European countries, dynamic consent and governance models, as well as challenges associated with the future use and commercialization of iPSC resources.
The programme also included a visit to the Norwegian Core Facility for Human Pluripotent Stem Cells, at the Norwegian Center for Stem Cell Research, providing participants with an opportunity to connect regulatory and ethical discussions with the practical aspects of pluripotent stem cell research and biobanking.
The Training School represents one of the final activities of HAPLO-iPS (2022–2026). Over the past four years, the Action has brought together an international and interdisciplinary community, fostering knowledge exchange, capacity building and the development of Young Researchers while creating partnerships and collaborations that extend beyond the lifetime of the network.
As HAPLO-iPS approaches its conclusion, the collaborations established through the Action will continue to support joint research and future initiatives.