Applying to Access the Resource
Application Process
We welcome research proposals from other researchers and all users will be held to the same scientific and ethical standards.
Our preferred application route is via one of our partners at Dementia Platform UK (DPUK) or UK LLC. If you're wondering which of these is the best for your application, please get in touch with us and we can talk through the options and help you decide which is more suitable. As things stand (December 2025), DPUK hosts the greatest number of our datasets and UK LLC host our linked NHS Data.
Alternatively, if you intend to use CSRE / Airwave Enclave (Imperial College's internal TRE) you can apply directly using this form, which can be returned to the Committee secretary at the address given.
We've written a short document - almost an FAQ - discussing topics that researchers often raise, which you can download here. We strongly recommend you read this before submitting your first application.
Data Access Committee
The Tissue Bank operates an Access Committee that comprises the Principal Investigator (PI), the Database Manager, an epidemiologist external to the team, and a representative of the Police Federation. This group generally meets every four to six weeks throughout the year to review applications from internal and external researchers for samples, data, or requests to invite members of the cohort to other research projects ("sub-studies").
To obtain access to the resource, prospective researchers must provide a brief proposal of their project. We may ask for proof of peer review to help confirm that the proposed research is scientifically feasible and ethically sound. The Access Committee will assess the merits of each request to ensure that the research meets the overall objectives of the Tissue Bank, and that the confidentiality and ethical issues commitments made to participants have been fulfilled.
Where the Airwave PI is also a named researcher on the proposed project, he is unable to sign off as Chair of the Access Committee. In this case, following discussion and agreement within the committee, the application needs to be signed off by the Police Federation representative. The PI can take management action to approve a straightforward application outside the committee if it is not due to meet, but in all cases will seek the approval of the Federation representative. Applications will then be presented for information to the committee at a later date.
The Terms of Reference of the Committee are available here.
Data Access Charge
Depending on the complexity of any work required to fulfill a researcher's data-request, a charge of up to £9,000 may be made. For any further inquiries on how to access data and samples from the Airwave resource please contact the secretary of the Access Committee, Jennifer Wells.
Information Governance Training for Researchers
In order to access Tissue Bank data, you need to provide evidence that you have completed training courses for data-protection and information security awareness. College employees can use these online resources to obtain accreditation.
Once complete, please provide screen-shots from Imperial Essentials | Staff | Imperial College London showing that you have passed each test. When you click on the appropriate course, on the left you should see Results / Grades. It should show when you took the test and your score. Please note that we may require a higher passing score for these courses than the minimum required by the University. Please ensure that the screen-shot includes your name (upper right corner).
If you have questions, please contact the Security Manager.