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.

Exceptional Biobanking Services

The CBR helps researchers access, collect, manage, and protect biospecimens using highly automated processes and the highest quality control in our state-of-the-art, safe and monitored facility. 

Before you begin working with the CBR, please review our Pre-Onboarding Considerations for guidance on navigating the early steps of working with us. 
  • Make an Appointment
  • Services and Rates
  • View Inventory
  • Regulatory and Governance
  • Find Biospecimens
  • Research We Support
  • AI & Digital Health Innovation
  • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Photo depicting the CBR biorepository. Containing liquid nitrogen storage tanks and other cold storage.
    Spotlight On

    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
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    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

    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.
    faculty member typing on computer inside office

    Ask Lu Anything: Insights in Single-Cell & Spatial Omics with Dr. Luciano Martelotto
    Bring your toughest questions; leave with practical answers on single cell and spatial genomics with Dr. Luciano Martelotto. Join the BRCF Advanced Genomics Core and Waters Biosciences for an engaging session at NCRC. Lunch will be provided.
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    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
    A person sits at a laptop at BSRB.

    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.
    faculty member typing on computer inside office

    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!
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    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!
    FFMI oncology course

    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
    A person sits at a laptop at BSRB.

    Researchpalooza
    Join exhibitors from labs and offices of the Medical School and across campus for this annual event showcasing the services provided to research faculty, staff, and students.
    people at Researchpalooza event outdoors

    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
    A person sits at a laptop at BSRB.

    Featured Research News

     All Office of Research News     four people sitting at a table with laptops collaborating
    Office of Research

    New Research Team Collaboration Agreement Template

    The Office of Regulatory Affairs has developed a Research Team Collaboration Agreement, a template to help teams establish and maintain clear communication through the project lifecycle.
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    Office of Research

    Ordering from the BRCF Research Store Is Now Easier

    On Monday, July 6, the BRCF Research Store will implement a new e-commerce platform, making it much easier to purchase and track biomedical research supply orders. A new invoice format begins on Monday, June 29.
         U.S. capitol building in Washington, D.C.
    Office of Research

    OMB & Other Proposed Federal Research Funding Changes

    Research community encouraged to submit public comments for proposed changes to federal funding policies.