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The University of Southampton
BRAIN UK
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Any researcher wishing to access tissue can either approach us informally, to confirm that appropriate material exists for the study, or make a formal application. To make an informal check for tissue availability either email us at brainuk@soton.ac.uk or click 'informal enquiry' and complete our online form. If you are ready to start the formal process click 'apply now' to access the relevant documents in our forms store. We are very happy to consider all types of studies, no matter how small or large.

Most studies are covered under BRAIN UK’s ethics. We have a rapid application process, typically within 2 weeks - a large time saving compared to making individual ethics applications. We use our Participating Centres network to locate tissue and then access is negotiated with the local custodians. This part of the process typically takes 3 months but may take longer depending on the nature of your request. While our matching service is free, you will be required to fund the technical costs involved in retrieving, processing and transporting the tissue (see also UK Brain Banks Network - tariffs for brain tissue). To assist with your fund raising we will be happy to provide a letter of support for your grant applications.

BRAIN UK plays a significant role in supporting research throughout the UK and internationally and we are keen to encourage collaborations as well as co-authorship with tissue providers. You can find current research projects on our 'recently approved' page. If you see a research project that has a similar focus to your work please click the 'suggest collaboration' button on this page and complete the short form. We will then pass your details to the project's principal investigator, and they will contact you directly if they wish to discuss collaboration with you.

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