UK Biobank

UK Biobank is a large research resource in Stockport, Greater Manchester. It holds biological samples and health data from half a million volunteers aged 40 to 69. These participants were recruited between 2006 and 2010 from across Great Britain. The study aims to help scientists understand how diseases like cancer and heart disease develop. It is funded by major organisations including the Medical Research Council and the Wellcome Trust. Over 30,000 researchers from more than 90 countries have used its data. The project began in the early 2000s under Professor Sir Rory Collins. It started with pilot studies in 2005 and opened its first assessment centre in Altrincham in 2006. By July 2010, it had signed up 500,000 volunteers. The database now contains over 30 petabytes of data and more than 15 million biological samples. Over 9,000 peer-reviewed papers have been published using its findings. Visitors will not see the volunteers or their personal details. Instead, they find a facility designed for data storage and research. The building includes secure laboratories and storage for biological samples. It also houses computing systems that manage the vast datasets collected. The centre supports ongoing studies into disease prevention and treatment. Its work continues to expand with new funding and technology.