Origins and organisation

In 2000 the draft sequence of the human genome was published and the MRC identified genetic epidemiology as a strategically important area for translating knowledge of the human genome sequence into real benefits for human health.

MRC made awards that year to enable collection of large numbers of samples in 13 common diseases of major public health impact. For further details on each study see the catalogue.

These samples were to be managed centrally as national resources and be made widely available. To permit this, MRC funded the the UK DNA Banking Network's biobank. This research infrastructure is located within the Centre for Integrated Genomic Medical Research at The University of Manchester.

Meetings of the Network are supported by the MRC in order to promote its development and integration.

Oversight of the project is provided by the MRC Steering Committee.