UCL BioResource got a kick start last week with one of its first recruits – BRC staff member Dr Steve Heggie.
Steve, Operations Manager for the BRC cancer programme, became the 27th volunteer by providing a small blood sample and completing study paperwork.
The UCL BioResource aims to gather 10,000 DNA samples from volunteers and patients at UCL partner hospitals to help researchers find out how genes influence disease.
Researchers will recall volunteers based on their DNA (genotype) and by other factors including gender, age and lifestyle, matching them to appropriate research studies.
In April this year the UCL BioResource was launched as one of seven centres in the nationwide NIHR BioResource project. The national project currently has a core base of 20,000 volunteers, with plans to increase to over 100,000 by 2017.
The UCL BioResource will be key to research on genes and disease. Participation is open to anyone over the age of 16. 
For queries about the UCL BioResource, including how to participate, call 0207 679 6457 or e-mail Dr Kirstin Goldring, UCL Biobank and BioResource Coordinator k.goldring@ucl.ac.uk
Visit the NIHR Bioresource web page for more information.
