Central Biorepository

The Central Biorepository (CBR) facilitates discovery and improves healthcare outcomes by providing high-quality, highly annotated biospecimens donated for basic, clinical, and translational research.

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Photo depicting the CBR biorepository. Containing liquid nitrogen storage tanks and other cold storage.
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Take a Virtual Tour!

Learn more about the U-M Medical School Central Biorepository by taking a virtual tour of the facility. Get details on the CBR process and information about equipment and services available to study teams.

How we Serve Your Biobanking Needs

The CBR is an enterprise-wide resource, serving all members of the University of Michigan community.

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Access Biospecimens

The Central Biorepository enables access to an array of sample types from participants enrolled in a variety of research studies.

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Biobanking

With collection support and biostorage management, the Central Biorepository is a world-class enterprise resource for U-M researchers and beyond.

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Biospecimen Processing

The Central Biorepository offers a variety of biospecimen processing services and creates sample collection kits in support of biomedical research programs.

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Equipment & Instrumentation

The Central Biorepository uses specialized equipment and laboratory robotics to safely store and automate biospecimen processing.

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Through the Central Biorepository, our world-class U-M faculty researchers have access to high-quality, highly annotated biospecimens that are safely stored and processed.

Victoria Blanc, PhD
Director, Central Biorepository
Photo of Victoria Blanc, PhD
CBR FY24 At a Glance
799,000+
Biospecimens Stored
45
Research Studies
22,400+
Samples Distributed
How the CBR can Benefit Your Research
Contact Us
Central Biorepository
Medical School Office of Research
North Campus Research Complex, Building 60-1661
2800 Plymouth Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Hours of Operation: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday

Want to provide feedback? Click here to access a brief survey about your CBR service. 

Phone Number: 734-647-8809
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We're Accredited – The Central Biorepository is accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Biorepository Accreditation Program.

Upcoming Research Events All Office of Research Events
OHRP’s Subparts B, C, and D -Special Populations
This course will examine the additional regulatory requirements for conducting research involving pregnant women, fetuses, neonates, children, and prisoners, including the requirements for these populations in a research project and obtaining informed consent.
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Federal and Institutional Requirements for Human Subject Research
This course will introduce the basics of conducting human subject research in compliance with federal regulations and institutional practices.
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Elements of Informed Consent
This course offers an overview of informed consent in human subject research. The course will examine IRBMED’s standard consent template and focus on how it reflects federal requirements.
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Introduction to eResearch
This course is intended for those unfamiliar with eResearch, the university’s electronic research administration site. This course will provide a basic knowledge of working in and using eResearch while examining the process for creating and submitting an initial project application.
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Advanced Genomics and Bioinformatics Cores Holiday Open House
Join us at our Holiday Open House event, where innovation meets expertise! This is an opportunity for researchers to explore our cutting-edge facilities and discover the exciting advancements in Single Cell, Spatial, and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies.
Advanced Genomics Core staff demonstrate equipment.
Waivers, Alterations, and Alternative Forms of Informed Consent
This course offers an overview of some special situations relating to informed consent. Specifically, waivers and alterations of informed consent, waivers of documentation of informed consent, and obtaining consent from non-English speakers.
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Research Operations, Management & Strategy (ROMS) Fellowship Information Session
The Research Operations, Management & Strategy (ROMS) Fellowship sponsored by the UMMS Office of Research is now recruiting for the 2025-2027 cohort and is hosting an upcoming information session about the program.
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Reporting AEs, ORIOs, and Unanticipated Problems
This course will identify what constitutes an Adverse Event, ORIO, and Unanticipated Problem and how such events impact risk to subjects. Additionally, the course will review the requirements of reporting such events to the IRB and other entities.
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Amendments and Continuing Reviews
This course is a follow-up to Initial Project Applications and will examine the process for submitting amendments and scheduled continuing reviews to IRBMED using eResearch once a project’s initial application has been approved.
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Featured Research News All Office of Research News Photo of a person holding a floating graphic of a targed with an arrow in the bullseye
Office of Research
Request for Applications for Assistant Dean for Clinical Research
The Medical School Office of Research is seeking applications for a faculty leader to serve as an Assistant Dean for Clinical Research.
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Office of Research
BRCF 2024 Holiday Core Closures
In observance of university holidays (Thanksgiving and Winter Break), several cores will have a change in operations.
Aikens winners
Office of Research
Aikens Innovation Academy Now Accepting Applications
The Aikens Innovation Academy is a project-based course offering mentorship and funding for academics with cardiovascular innovations.