Apply for access

If you have already registered with UK Biobank, you can apply to access the database via the Access Management System (AMS). To complete an application form you will need the following information:

• A summary of the research you intend to conduct
• The UK Biobank data-fields you require
• A description of any new data or variables your research will generate

Useful links

How to complete an access application

Step 1: Complete the application form in the UK Biobank online Access Management System (AMS) and select a data tier.

Step 2: Add researchers who will access UK Biobank data to the application as collaborators.

Step 3: Add contact information for a signatory who is authorised to sign the material transfer agreement (MTA) on behalf of your institute. This must be someone other than the PI/Lead Collaborator for each institute.

Step 4: The UK Biobank team will review your application and contact you via a message in the AMS with any feedback.

Step 5: On approval of your application, an access fee request will be raised, and the MTA will be sent to you and your authorised signatory.

Step 6: Following payment of the access fee and return of signed MTA, the Access team will inform you when your data have been released and are available to access.

For more details on the application process, please view:

The vetting process

Trained personnel carry out background checks on any researcher who applies for access. They review the researcher's professional history and look for evidence that they have carried out high-quality health-related research. They must be working for a legitimate research organisation with a track record of health-related research. All researchers are checked against international sanctions lists.

Our in-house scientists then assess whether the research proposal qualifies as health-related research in the public interest. This means the findings should be likely to benefit the health and wellbeing of society, and should not cause harm, such as perpetuate stereotypes about certain groups.

If there is any doubt about this, or if the proposal raises any concerns, it is referred to UK Biobank's expert Access Committee which will consider the application in more detail and seek ethics advice if needed.

All applications go through this process, regardless of whether the researcher works for a university, a charity or a company. UK Biobank has approved more 4500 applications, and rejected many others.

Are you in a hurry?

Tips to minimise the application timeline:

• Ensure your legal team has seen our standard MTA at the point of applying (please note, our MTA is non-negotiable)
• Amend your application in response to our feedback as soon as you can – keep an eye out for email alerts saying you have a message from us
• Pay the access fee online via the AMS
• Sign the MTA we send to you and your authorised signatory (via DocuSign) as soon as you can.

Follow our easy tips to speed up your application