Biggest human imaging study scans 100,000th UK volunteer
UK Biobank scientists say the human body can be studied in greater detail than ever thanks to people like Steve.
www.bbc.co.ukHere’s the latest I can share based on recent publicly available updates:
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UK Biobank has been progressing with its new headquarters move to Manchester Science Park. A major UKRI funding package of about £127.6 million supports expanding capacity, speed, and efficiency, including a purpose-built facility and upgraded storage and robotics for the biological samples. This move aims to strengthen collaboration with Manchester institutions and accelerate health research.[2][3]
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The new headquarters project reached a milestone in 2025, with the structure “topping out” as construction advances. The building is designed to be 100% electric and aims for net-zero carbon in both construction and operation in shared spaces, showcasing UK Biobank’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure alongside its data goals.[2]
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UK Biobank continues to publish news about data releases, imaging milestones, and collaborations. They have highlighted ongoing data access for researchers worldwide and updates tied to imaging milestones and partner activities.[3]
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Public reporting and media coverage in 2024–2025 highlighted Stockport and Manchester sites as key hubs, with coverage noting the scale of the resource (hundreds of thousands to millions of samples/participants) and its impact on NHS research and global health studies.[8][9]
If you’d like, I can track down the very latest headline and provide a brief summary with exact dates and quotes, or pull together a quick timeline of the UK Biobank relocation and major data-release milestones. I can also search for more recent official UK Biobank statements or UKRI announcements if you want the most up-to-date details.