Work

“It has to somehow permeate to the public”: expert views on the solidaristic potential of Israel’s National genomic biobank initiative

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The 2018 Digital Health Initiative (DHI) implemented by Israel included the establishment of a national biobank. Establishing a national biobank was clouded in ample rhetoric of solidarity promising scientific and economic progress, and financial benefits. To assess the potential of these promises, we conducted 15 semi-structured interviews with experts with a management, health or political background from Israel over a one-year period. Applying a data solidarity framework to the insights gained from the interviews, we concluded that a national biobank indeed offers great potential for medical progress under the condition that data use is transparent and mechanisms for access are clear. In contrast, we estimate that claims on economic and financial benefits are less certain and depend on controversial ideas like the trickle-down effect. To strengthen the beneficial effects of a national biobank, we recommend policymakers adhere to data solidarity to avoid misappropriating solidarity.

Source: Social Theory & Health

DOI: 10.1057/s41285-025-00222-z

Authors: Elias Weiss, Yael Hashiloni-Dolev, Aviad Raz, Tamar Nov-Klaiman

Institutions: University of Vienna, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, University of Augsburg

Language: English

Topic: Ethics in Clinical Research

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,090