The UK Clinical Research Collaboration (UKCRC) Tissue Directory and Coordination Centre (the Centre) have launched their Tissue Directory 1.0, which is being developed to hold the information for tissue sample collections across the UK. This directory of biobanks aims to become the focal point for all biobanking activity in the UK. During this first phase, researchers and organisations are being encouraged to register their sample collections so that, during the second phase of development, researchers will be able to find and access the samples they need for high quality research.

» Read more information about how to register collections on the Tissue Directory (UKCRC Tissue Directory and Coordination Centre webpage) 

Working with the Centre

NCRI has been working with the Centre to ensure the previous work of the NCRI Confederation of Cancer Biobanks (CCB) in developing the NCRI Cancer Biosample Directory is retained within this new Directory. The Centre will contact anyone who has registered previously so that they can update their profile on this new Directory. NCRI’s CCB  looks forward to continuing to collaborate with the Centre to ensure maximum impact.

Background to the initiative

The Centre is a new initiative to improve access to human tissue samples for research purposes. One of the ways the Centre has been tasked to do this is through the creation of an online Tissue Directory. Funded by the UKCRC, the anticipation is that the projects they award funding to will make use of the Directory, as they are keen to optimise the use of existing human tissue collections and associated clinical and sample handling data whilst minimising duplication of effort.