How To Access Biospecimens
Step 1: Submit a Request
Complete our request form, specifying your research needs and project details.
Step 2: Review & Matchmaking
Our coordination team reviews your request and matches it with member biobanks that meet your criteria, and facilitates the application process.
Step 3: Agreement & Access
Once the agreement is executed, biospecimens and data are shipped to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
➤Who can request biospecimens, data, and services from Ontario Biobanks?
Researchers affiliated with not-for-profit academic research institutions and for-profit industry clients can access the resources from Ontario Biobanks.
➤How long does the request process take?
The timeline can vary depending on the complexity of the request but typically ranges from 4 to 12 weeks from submission to biospecimen dispatch.
➤Are there fees?
Yes, cost recovery fees are applied. A detailed fee schedule will be provided during the application process. We offer a discount to academic researchers.
➤What ethics approvals do I need?
You must have current Research Ethics Board (REB) or Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval or exemption for your specific research project, or equivalent. If you don’t have research ethics approval yet, feel free to submit a request anyways and we can help facilitate.
Have any unanswered questions? Feel free to reach out through our Contact Form.