A FACILTY at the University of Bradford that is a vital part of medical research has been named the best “biobank” in the country.

The ethical tissue bank, based at the Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, has helped provide valuable tissue samples to researchers, companies and individuals across the world.

Earlier this month the facility beat six others at the first UK Biobank Showcase, held in London. It was officially recognised by the UK Clinical Research Collaboration Tissue Directory and Coordination Centre as the best facility of its type.

Facilities were nominated by the researchers that use them, and the finalists had been whittled down from over 60 biobanks across the country.

Bradford’s ethical tissue bank holds a huge collection of human tissue, cells and fluids, and researchers can request samples for medical research.

Some of the tissue comes from recently deceased donors, while other samples are obtained from people who are having operations, such as organs being removed, or biopsies.

The team at the tissue bank is on call to collect the samples as quickly as possible so they can be optimised, logged and stored.

The award recognised the work of the team in dealing with donors and their families at what can often be a difficult time, as well as for the more scientific side of their work.

Joanne Mullarkey, research nurse, said: “This is the first time they have had these awards.

“The other bio banks we were up against were all fantastic, but they were a bit more specialised than us.

“I think the judges were impressed that we were able to any types of tissue to researchers. Our selling point is that we can take any tissue, and we offer a bespoke service.

“A lot of the other biobanks are associated with hospitals, or are privately funded.

“When the award was announced I was very surprised, as the other banks were so well established and recognised across the country.

“We make sure we can provide the tissue for as little cost as possible - researchers don’t have a lot of money, and we run as a not for profit tissue bank.

“After the win I hope more people know who we are, what we can do and the unique services we can provide.

“We are quite well known in Yorkshire, but further afield we are not that well known at all. Getting national recognition will let researchers know what we can do.

“We try to provide a personal, 24 hour service. We do this because we believe in what we do.

“Most importantly this award also recognises the valuable contribution made by donors. Amazing advancements in medical science would not happen without them.

“We want to ensure people have the opportunity to make a difference by choosing to donate as healthy volunteers, as patients or after they have passed away.

“Our commitment is to ensure those donations are used for the benefit of all.

“The generous people of Yorkshire are literally changing the face of medicine for the rest of the world.”

Anyone interested in becoming a donor can call 01274 235897 or email W.Burrill@bradford.ac.uk.

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