Research impact
Archived tissue that would otherwise be unused supports valuable research – the scale and scope of this tissue resource is unprecedented, with archives stretching back many decades. To make this resource available, BRAIN UK is entirely reliant on the co-operation and support of its NHS Participating Centres. We now encompass access to over 550,000 cases in more than 22 Participating Centres, with over 230,000 cases currently listed on our database.
If you are the PI of a project supported by BRAIN UK and you haven’t notified us of all of the research outputs for your projects, please email us at brainuk@soton.ac.uk with the details.
Our impact on neuroscience research
All data correct as of 09 January 2026. Next update due January 2027.
Studies supported
There has been a steady increase in the number of requests to BRAIN UK since its inception, reflecting the growing awareness of its value as a tissue resource amongst the neuroscience research community. To date there have been over 265 applications for samples from nearly 180 different users. The application process to BRAIN UK is much simpler than applying for individual project ethics and NIGB approval.
Publications
To date, 223 eligible projects have submitted end of year reports. Of those that have been running for at least 12 months, more than 135 have produced around 171 publications and 87 abstracts. Over 281 presentations had been made, more than 161 posters displayed and around 80 grant applications have been successful – generating more than £16,000,000 income.
collaborations
BRAIN UK’s collaborating centres are NHS departments whereas the researchers are almost exclusively University staff, so almost all studies represent new collaborations between the NHS and university sectors. To date, there have been around 130 collaborations generated by applicants and centres working within the BRAIN UK network.
Tissue supplied
The total number of cases approved for use in BRAIN UK studies is over 20,000. Some projects have required large numbers of tissues that have been required to be co-ordinated across multiple sites and others have required small numbers but of rare tissues that have been difficult to identify. Both our local Research and Development registrations and use of local contacts are utilised to save researchers time.
Icons made by Becris from www.flaticon.com