Recall and Samples

Recall of NIHR BioResource participants and access to their biological samples are managed through a single application process. Use this page to learn more about each service and how to apply for access.

What we offer

Our study facilitation and biobanking services support a wide range of academic and industry-led research.

Participant recall studies

We can support studies that require direct involvement of BioResource participants, including:

  • volunteer selection and screening by genotype and/or phenotype
  • recruitment and linking participants to research studies

At our Cambridge Clinical Research Unit only, we can also support:

  • appointment management
  • consent
  • sample collection
  • transport of samples to the research team

Access to biological samples

We can rapidly provide components from BioResource participant samples to support your study.

The following sample types can be requested by genotype or phenotype:

  • DNA (from blood and saliva)
  • Plasma
  • Serum

All samples are processed, stored and analysed at the National Biosample Centre (UK Biocentre) in Milton Keynes, a high-capacity facility supporting biomedical research. 

Typical sample provisions:

  • DNA: 0.5–3 µg
  • Plasma / serum: 50–500 µl
  • Supplied in FluidX 0.9 ml tubes

Sample availability by cohort

Rare diseases

Over 60 projects recruiting across multiple clinical specialties

Common diseases
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
  • Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases (IMID)
  • Metabolic Dysfunction‑Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)
  • Genetic Links to Anxiety and Depression (GLAD)
  • Eating Disorders Genetics Initiative (EDGI)
  • Severe Mental Illness Longitudinal Evaluation (SMILE)
General population (controls)
  • INTERVAL
  • COMPARE
  • DIVERSITY
  • STRIDES blood donor studies
  • Improving Black Health Outcomes (IBHO)
  • DNA, Children + Young People’s Health Resource (D‑CYPHR)

            Application process

            Applications to use the NIHR BioResource follow a clear, staged process to support responsible access to participant recall and biological samples.


            Researchers are encouraged to contact the team early to discuss feasibility and ethical requirements before submitting an application for review.

            Before you apply

            We strongly encourage researchers to contact us before submitting an application. This allows us to:

            • discuss feasibility
            • confirm whether recall, samples or both are appropriate
            • advise on ethical considerations

            Email nbr@bioresource.nihr.ac.uk to arrange a discussion.

            Ethical approval is usually not required for access to banked samples or de‑identified data. Ethical approval is required for recall studies involving participant contact.

            How to apply
            1. Complete the application form
            2. Email the completed form to nbr@bioresource.nihr.ac.uk 

              Incomplete applications will not be considered.

              Applications are reviewed by the Steering Committee and the National Participant Advisory Group (NPAG). We accept up to eight new applications per meeting.

              Application deadlines and review 

              • Example deadline: Friday 3 April 2026 (for Steering Committee meeting on 24 April 2026)
              • You will normally receive feedback within one month of the deadline
                Once approved

                For recall studies you will be asked to:

                • complete a Study Summary Template
                • provide all required ethically approved documents and approval letters
                • attend a study set‑up meeting with our research delivery team
                • complete grant and R&D approvals

                    Recruitment can begin once all paperwork meets NIHR BioResource standards.

                    For recall studies conducted at Cambridge University Hospitals and NIHR BioResource centres:

                    • NHS REC approval is required
                    • the local NHS Trust must be an approved site

                      Local BioResource centres may also support recruitment, subject to site approvals.

                      Data and sample fidelity

                      We take care to ensure that our data and samples accurately reflect BioResource participants. However, we recommend that researchers independently validate any data critical to their study.

                      If any errors are identified during analysis, we will notify affected researchers.

                      Ready to use our BioResource?

                      Find out more above regarding applications or get in touch with our team to discuss your research project and how we can support your work.

                      Email us 0800 090 2233