Online directory of biobanks established

Following the successful registration of more than 50 biobanks, the UK Clinical Research Collaboration (UKCRC) has launched an online directory of biobanksopens in new window.

This UK-wide resource, led by Dr Philip Quinlan, Director of the UKCRC Tissue Directory and Coordination Centre, represents the first step in seeking to integrate national biobanking infrastructure into a searchable resource to support research activity.

The UKCRC Tissue Directory and Coordination Centreopens in new window is the UK's hub for bringing together different biobanking activities from across the country. The MRC is a member of the UKCRC, working alongside the NHS, other research funders, industry, regulatory bodies, Royal Colleges, patient groups and academia in a UK-wide environment that facilitates and promotes high-quality clinical research for the benefit of patients.

The directory contains the details of biological samples and data taken from UK individuals, and held across more than 50 biobanks in the UK. Human tissue samples are routinely collected by researchers and biobanks across the UK but, until now, finding tissue samples appropriate for research into a specific medical condition could often be arduous and time-consuming.

The directory aims to facilitate communication between researchers and biobanks, providing a quick and efficient route for researchers to access appropriate samples and data to match their research needs.

Researchers can search the online directory and locate appropriate tissue samples held by a specific biobank, based on the associated datasets available, the age and gender of donors, and the sample type. It is possible to search the directory using the specific disease term, by viewing the list of diseasesopens in new window or the A-Z of Biobanksopens in new window.

Dr Philip Quinlan said, "Recent evidence continues to point to the need for access to biobanks in order to enable researchers to find fit-for-purpose data and samples – without this access, medical research is severely hindered. The first step in our programme was the development of this directory, which is designed to allow researchers to find existing biobank resources. We are incredibly grateful to the 50 biobanks that have already registered and the work of the team to get us to this point. As this number only represents about 25 per cent of all biobanks in the UK, our work continues to encourage the remaining biobanks to register."

More information:
Biobanks in the UK can register here: directory.biobankinguk.org/Register/Biobank

Provided by Medical Research Council