Find out who can use UK Biobank data, how we control access to the data, and the agreement that researchers make with us.
UK Biobank data are available for use by eligible researchers from academic, charity, government, and commercial organisations from around the world, for health-related research that is in the public interest.
The findings of the research should have a positive impact on public health and wellbeing. They must not lead to harm, including promoting discrimination, mistreatment, or the marginalisation of any social groups. Research should uphold ethical standards, ensuring that its outcomes support inclusivity and societal benefit.
To be eligible, researchers must:
- demonstrate a track record of legitimate health-related research
- be affiliated with a recognised research organisation
- operate from a country that complies with international regulations and is not subject to UK, US or EU sanctions
Trained personnel at UK Biobank carry out background checks on any researcher who applies to access the data to ensure that they meet these eligibility requirements.
All researchers go through this process regardless of whether they work in academia, a charity, government, or a commercial organisation.
Controlling access
Thousands of approved researchers around the world are using UK Biobank data and subsequent findings to accelerate health research for the good of society globally.
If a research proposal raises any concerns, it is referred to our expert Access Committee, which reviews it in detail and they can consult our Ethics Advisory Committee and Participant Advisory Group for specific support where required.
We no longer accept applications to access the data for research purposes from insurance companies.
Position on insurance companies
Up until January 2025, we would consider applications from insurance companies; for example, if assessing the risk of disease to reduce both over and under-estimates. However, our Access Committee have reviewed this policy, in consultation with our Participant Advisory Group and Ethics Advisory Committee, and concluded:
- Applications from insurance companies for direct access to de-identified UK Biobank data will no longer be approved.
- Approved researchers may collaborate with or receive funding from insurance companies—for example, to study disease progression. However, this does not grant insurance companies direct access to participant data.
- Insurance companies may reference or use publicly available findings published in peer-reviewed journals by approved researchers.
What researchers agree to
When an application is approved, the research organisation must sign a legal agreement before any data can be accessed.
Researchers are prohibited from:
- Trying to use UK Biobank data to identify participants
- Sharing the data with anyone who is not a collaborator on their research project
UK Biobank switched to providing access to data via the UK Biobank Research Analysis Platform (UKB-RAP), our secure cloud-based platform, by default in 2024. Prior to the switch, researchers were able to download some types of data. As part of their legal agreement, researchers have agreed to delete the data when their project is completed.
The UKB-RAP allows researchers to access and analyse our data without the need for large amounts of their own computing power. This expands and democratises access to these large datasets to early-career researchers and those in lower-income countries.
Keeping information up to date
We require approved researchers to provide annual reports on the progress of their project, inform us about any scientific publications connected to the project, and keep information such as contact details up to date.
When we become aware of a material change to an organisation, such as a commercial organisation ceasing to trade or being acquired, we take prompt action to either discontinue the project or update the details of the applicant as appropriate. Any such applicant must be approved by UK Biobank in line with our established vetting process.
There may be a time lag between us being made aware of this information, and our existing projects list being updated with the outcome of the process.
More information
We made an important commitment to our participants when they joined the study. Find out how we uphold this commitment.
Learn more about who can access the UK Biobank dataset and the responsibilities of approved researchers.
The UK Biobank Research Analysis Platform (UKB-RAP) enables researchers to securely access our large-scale biomedical database in ‘the cloud’ from anywhere in the world.