Cohort Collaboration
The UK is home to world-leading patient cohorts, registries and biobanks that have transformed our understanding of disease. However, opportunities to collect human brain tissue can remain disconnected from these valuable resources. Brain BioLink aims to work collaboratively with existing cohorts and clinical studies to help bridge this gap, linking living tissue with rich longitudinal data and maximising the scientific value of every donation.
Living tissue is never “just a sample”
But part of of a rich, interpretable dataset
We connect tissue with full clinical and genetic context
Collaboration without disruption
We are designing integration protocols to align with existing cohort governance, ethics approvals, and data standards. We will provide dedicated support to ensure that tissue collection adds scientific value without interfering with the cohort’s original objectives.
Seamless extension of existing consents
Participants who have previously consented to data sharing or blood sampling will be offered a structured opportunity to extend their consent to include tissue donation, when relevant. It’s one more line in a familiar process — but it will open up entirely new avenues for neuroscience and precision medicine.
Ethically aligned. Participant centered
Tissue donation will remain fully optional and clearly decoupled from prior participation. Participants can specify the scope of use (e.g. academic, non-commercial, or pharmaceutical research) and update or revoke their consent at any time.
BBL project partners
Providing tissue, data and clinical context
University of Oxford
Oxford University provides world-class research and education to benefit society on a local, regional, national and global scale.
EBRAINS
EBRAINS is Europe’s digital infrastructure for brain research. It provides unique tools and data bringing together neuroscience, computing and AI to accelerate progress in brain science and medicine. EBRAINS enables researchers to explore the brain across all levels – from the molecular and cellular levels to the whole organ.
Genomics England
Genomics England partners with the NHS to deliver whole genome sequencing diagnostics and help advance genomic medicine.
Quod
The QUOD Biobank initiative facilitates research by providing researchers with samples (e.g., blood, urine, and tissue) and clinical data from appropriately consented / authorised organ donors.
NHS BT
We provide a blood and transplantation service to the NHS, looking after blood donation services in England and transplant services across the UK. This includes managing the donation, storage and transplantation of blood and blood components, organs, tissues, bone marrow and stem cells, and researching new treatments and processes.
Oxford AO Spine
AO Spine is the leading global academic community for innovative education and research in spine care, inspiring lifelong learning and improving patients' lives.
TESSA JOWELL
BR
IN
M
TRIX
Tessa Jowell Brain Matrix
The Tessa Jowell BRAIN MATRIX is a first-of-its-kind study that will enable doctors to treat brain tumours with drugs that are more targeted than ever before.
Oxford
Neurosurgery
Oxford Neurosurgery
The Oxford University Hospitals neurological surgery team has an international reputation in the treatment of children, movement disorders, brain tumours, vascular disorders, skull base tumours and spinal cord diseases.
UNIVERSITY OF
OXFORD
FACULTY OF
LAW
Faculty of Law Oxford
The Faculty of Law prides itself on being a centre of excellence for the study and research of law, a place where tradition meets innovation, where scholars and students collaborate to further the academic study and practical application of law.
Check our other Pillars
Live Nervous Tissue
Clear Data Presentation
New Patient Consent
