Finding the right biobank shouldn't be the hardest part of your research
You submit one structured sample request. Our MatchEngine identifies and ranks the best biobank partners from a network of 100+ academic biobanks worldwide — with the first response usually inside two days.
From request to results — in days, not weeks
A single structured request reaches every matched biobank at once. Here is how a typical request progresses.
You submit your request
Describe the biospecimens you need in a structured form.
Biobanks are alerted
Top-matched biobanks are notified automatically by MatchEngine.
First biobank responds
Biobanks confirm availability and pricing directly with you.
Negotiation begins
Agree terms and arrange the sample transfer.
Based on platform data from recent requests. Individual timelines may vary.
How recent requests have progressed
Each bar is an anonymised request, showing how quickly it moved from submission through to biobank responses and negotiation.
We'll assess your sample requirements — no obligation.
The advantages that matter for your research
Biospecimen provenance
We connect you directly with source biobanks, so you can check credentials and quality standards before you order any biospecimens.
Global network
Reach ~100 academic biobanks worldwide — a vast range of biospecimen types, disease types and storage formats.
MatchEngine
Scores every biobank on disease alignment, availability and response track record — what took weeks of manual outreach happens in seconds.
Trusted by biotech teams worldwide
"Very efficient — it enables identification and connection to relevant sources and collaborators for human specimens. The team is knowledgeable and eager to help with difficult scenarios."
"Good patient samples and associated data are not easy to source, and Biosample Hub has really helped us speed up the sourcing process. We're very happy with the support — it will help us validate our product that much faster."
"So easy to use, and we've established connections that were only possible to find within the hub. Response rates have also been great. I would highly recommend signing up."
"Biosample Hub plays a critical role in connecting with biobanks worldwide. I particularly appreciate the nice design and the intuitiveness of the platform."
Simple membership. No transaction fees.
Biosample Hub is a UK not-for-profit. Fees are shown in euros (€); VAT is not applicable.
Upgrade during your trial and your €300 counts towards full membership. Additional requests beyond 10/year are €300 each. Not sure which is right? Book a free feasibility call →
Questions, answered
How does the trial work?+
The trial lets you put Biosample Hub to work on a single sample request. Your three months begin when your request is submitted, so there's no pressure to be ready the day you join. You get your top 10 MatchEngine matches and email support throughout.
What are off-platform searches?+
Full Service members can request up to 5 off-platform searches per year. If the samples you need can't be found among our member biobanks, our team searches more widely on your behalf, drawing on other biobank directories and our network.
Why is the origin of my biospecimens so important?+
You must know the biobank of origin so you can confirm it follows quality standards. Some intermediaries supply samples that come directly from the clinic, where they may not be handled to professional standards. We put you in direct contact with hospital biobanks, so you're never in doubt about the origin.
Does Biosample Hub handle individual patient data?+
No. Biosample Hub does not process, store, or directly handle individual patient data or identifiers. Such information remains strictly confidential and is managed exclusively by biobanks and biotech companies.
Which disease types and formats can I access?+
A wide range — infectious and parasitic diseases, cancers/neoplasms, and disorders of various body systems, plus normal tissues, body fluids, umbilical cord blood and microbiome samples. Formats include solid tissue, blood, plasma, serum, PBMCs and other fluids — fresh and viable, or frozen/fixed, and processed into organoid (PDO) or xenograft (PDX) models.
What clinical information is provided?+
The amount of clinical information varies between biobanks and even within collections. We recommend discussing this directly with the individual biobank for the samples you're interested in.
Can I move from Trial to Full Service?+
Yes, and the sooner the better. When you upgrade during your trial, your trial fee counts towards full membership and your full-service year runs from the start of your trial — so upgrading early means more of your year spent as a full member.
Why do quality standards matter?+
Quality standards ensure the reliability, integrity and ethical procurement of biospecimens — which directly impacts your research quality, regulatory compliance and project success. Some biobanks are certified to ISO 20387 and ISO 9001; in some countries (UK, France, Spain) all biobanks follow mandatory quality guidelines.
What do the biospecimens themselves cost?+
All biobanks charge fees for biosamples, and prices vary by factors like staffing costs in different countries. You pay the fee directly to the biobank — Biosample Hub charges no transaction fees. Example published tariffs are shown below.
Example biobank tariffs
Published price references from biobanks in different countries.
Let's find the right biobank for your research
Book a free feasibility call — we'll assess your sample requirements and advise on the best approach. No obligation.