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.

Make an Appointment
Photo of CBR director opening a liquid nitrogen tank and pulling out stored samples.
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

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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.

Learn More About Accessing Biospecimens
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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.

Learn More About Biobanking
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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.

Learn More About Biospecimen Processing
Photo of CBR liquid nitrogen tanks in the storage room

Equipment & Instrumentation

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

Learn More About Equipment & Instrumentation

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 FY25 At a Glance

865,000+
Biospecimens Stored
47
Research Studies
26,200+
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
College of American Pathologists logo

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

The Funding Forum

Join the Grant Services and Analysis Research Development (RD) team on Zoom every third Thursday at 2:00 pm for the Funding Forum – a 60-minute session designed to help UMMS faculty gain an advantage in grant seeking and proposal development.
Event runs May 21, 2026 - December 17, 2026

Principles of Spectral Flow Cytometry Lunch and Learn

Join the BRCF Research Store, the BRCF Flow Cytometry Core, and Thermo Fisher Scientific to learn about spectral flow cytometry. Enjoy a complimentary lunch.

Research-Clinical Collaborations for Whole Genome Sequencing

Join the Central Biorepository (CBR) for a virtual session exploring how interdepartmental collaborations among the Michigan Genomics Initiative (MGI), CBR, AI & Digital Health Innovation (AI&DHI), and Pathology’s division of Diagnostic Genetics & Genomics (DGG) are creating a win-win for investigators advancing genomic research and clinical care at Michigan Medicine.

FFMI Industry-Ready Webinar Series: Agreement Types and When to Use Them

"Agreement Types and When to Use Them" provides a practical overview of the most common agreement structures used in academic–industry collaborations.

The Funding Forum

Join the Grant Services and Analysis Research Development (RD) team on Zoom every third Thursday at 2:00 pm for the Funding Forum – a 60-minute session designed to help UMMS faculty gain an advantage in grant seeking and proposal development.
Event runs May 21, 2026 - December 17, 2026

FFMI Industry-Ready Webinar Series: IP, Data, and Publications in Industry-Sponsored Research

"IP, Data, and Publications in Industry-Sponsored Research" explores the key considerations around intellectual property, data management, and publication rights in industry collaborations.

New England Biolabs Product Showcase

Join the BRCF Research Store and New England Biolabs to learn about products, including what's new. Enjoy coffee, donuts, and giveaways!

Oncology Drug Discovery & Development (3D) Workshop

Fast Forward Medical Innovation and Pfizer offer an educational, one-day program to provide participants with an interactive, team-based learning experience of the drug discovery and development process. Apply by Wednesday, July 1!

The Funding Forum

Join the Grant Services and Analysis Research Development (RD) team on Zoom every third Thursday at 2:00 pm for the Funding Forum – a 60-minute session designed to help UMMS faculty gain an advantage in grant seeking and proposal development.
Event runs May 21, 2026 - December 17, 2026

Featured Research News

All Office of Research News
A BRCF Flow Cytometry Instrument
Office of Research

BRCF Flow Cytometry Service Enhancements Coming July 1

The BRCF Flow Cytometry Core is introducing a new billing structure that provides researchers with greater transparency, precision, and control over their spending.
BRCF Fourth of July 2026 Closures
Office of Research

BRCF Core Closures for the 4th of July Holiday 2026

In observance of Independence Day, several cores will be closed on July 3 or have adjusted hours for sample submissions and special orders.
Chang Kim
Office of Research

Chang Kim is the Next BRCF Flow Cytometry Core Faculty Director

Chang Kim, Ph.D., was recently appointed faculty director of the BRCF Flow Cytometry Core. He brings expertise in cytometry, imaging, and leadership.