P³G Cores are key working units of P3G, focused on specific areas of research. They have full-time personnel with expertise on specific issues related to harmonization of biobanks and population based studies such as: methodologies for integrating data; new technologies for biochemical analyses or genotyping; research into public participation; governance and ethics or legal issues; health systems research, international policymaking; analysis methods in population genetics related to merging data from biobanks collected using different study designs; etc.

Cores have an important research focus. In many cases, P³G Cores will sit side-by-side with a group already involved with a biobank initiative, thus leveraging the local expertise for rapid transfer of current knowledge.

P³G Cores interact with and respond to the needs of P³G via the International Working Groups. Core research objectives should be aligned with one or multiple scientific objectives of the P³G Consortium. Members of the Cores are willing to present their results at P³G meetings and, when appropriate, contribute to other relevant P³G activities. They undertake to collaborate with the Director of the P³G Observatory to promote dissemination of Core deliverables.

The rights of authorship and IP remain with the Core research team. However, in accordance with P³G's goal of sharing and international collaboration, research tools and other results are shared with P³G members and the larger scientific community, through the P³G Observatory.

Cores can either volunteer their expertise by approaching P³G with a concept, or answer a request for proposals (RFP) launched by P³G following a recommendation by the Steering Committee or an International Working Group (IWG).

Lead applicants of a Core proposal need to fill a 'Core application' and submit it to the P³G Secretariat. Applications to become a Core include: objectives, methodologies, deliverables, networking plans with P³G, funding plans (secured or applied), and how the contribution of the Core fits with the P³G mission, objectives and current needs.

The application will be evaluated by IWG leaders and the Steering Committee leader, and discussed at the following P³G Board meeting.

The decision to accept a P³G Core will be based on criteria such as the relevance to P³G, the feasibility of the plans, the level of expertise, the timeline and deliverables, the willingness and openness of the Core to share tools and results, and the availability of external funding (secured or applied). In making a decision about selecting a Core, the Board can also take into account the need to encourage different views and different countries to contribute to P³G.

Core leaders will be expected to be individual members of P³G. All P³G Cores will be expected to be independently funded. Funds do not have to be available at the time the Core is being considered however but there needs to be a realistic opportunity for such funding to come within the next year. Core Leaders will be expected to send an annual report describing their scientific contribution (or progress) to the P³G project.

• Participation in P³G meetings
• Reference to P³G recognition in grant applications and support by the IWG for application where appropriate
• Scientific input from international leaders in the field
• Rapid and easy dissemination of results to a wide community of colleagues through the P³G Observatory

Once a strategic sector has been identified by the Steering Committee or through the needs expressed by IWG members, a request for proposals (RFP's) will be launched. General RFPs can also be launched, from time to time, to stimulate the application of new Cores and the development of new sectors within P³G. Cores can also self-identify and approach P³G.

RFPs are sent to all P³G members and posted on the P³G website. Applicants will be invited to fill in the P³G Core application form. Cores are responsible for independent ethics review of their projects and a letter of ethics approval should also be submitted where applicable.

All requests to be a designated P³G Core will be reviewed by the Board of Directors, in collaboration with the IWG leaders and the Scientific Steering Committee.