On the 7th May 2026 over 20 members of the UoM UK Biobank Users group came together to discuss some of the exciting UoM projects using this biomedical database. Featuring talks from academic staff from across the University, the event demonstrated the multifunctionality of the datasets from the UK Biobank.

There was a range of engaging talks demonstrating how researchers are combining analysis approaches and using data from a range of organs (including heart, brain and circulatory systems) to understand behavioural and clinical outcomes.

The event culminated with some lively debate as well as some great food! Thank you to all our speakers on the day:

• “Introduction to the event and the user group” - Robert Maidstone, Research Fellow, School of Biological Sciences
• "Critical Genetic and Biomolecular Histories" - Jerome de Groot, Professor of Literature and Culture, School of Arts, Languages and Culture
• "Long-term or recurrent antibiotics in childhood and risk of axial spondyloarthritis" - Steven Zhao, Clinical Senior Lecturer, School of Biological Sciences
• "UK Biobank: connecting lifestyle, medical and omics data" - Steve Garratt, Program Manager – Imaging Enhancements Project, UK Biobank
• "My role ensuring quality as an MR physicist at the UK Biobank" - Andrew Tyler, Lecturer in Magnetic Resonance Imaging Physics, School of Health Sciences -

Most of the presentations from the meeting are now available in the groups Teams space.

The UoM UK Biobank Users group is one of the most established groups in the Computation and Data in Research community (CaDiR) and runs regular events throughout the academic year for researchers, PGRs and University staff.

We look forward to running further events in the 2026-27 academic year - and if you're interested in presenting, comment on our Teams channel and let us know!