Generation Scotland and UK Biobank

Two studies: one vision

Why two studies?

We know that many chronic diseases tend to run in families. By studying 50,000 family members, Generation Scotland will identify the key genes that contribute to good or poor health in Scottish families. By studying 500,000 people from communities throughout the United Kingdom, UK Biobank will find out how these genes combine with lifestyle factors to cause disease. Working closely together, the two studies will create a complete picture of how genes and lifestyle interact. The complementary approaches of Generation Scotland and UK Biobank will produce a treasure trove of information that will transform health research and treatment for years to come.

Why Scotland?

Scotland is better placed than perhaps any other country to undertake this type of work. This is partly because Scottish families tend to stay in the country for several generations, which makes it easier to carry out genetic research. In addition, methods for confidentially linking medical records are already routinely used within the NHS in Scotland. This means that a lot of valuable health information is already available for research, in a way which keeps personal details private. But perhaps Scotland’s greatest advantage is that the Scottish public has a very strong tradition of supporting medical research. This is important because the success of Generation Scotland and UK Biobank depends on the participation of thousands of people.

Why now?

With the recent sequencing of the human genome, about 30,000 genes have been identified. The time is now right to start looking at how these genes cause diseases. In the future, this information will play an important role in helping the prevention and treatment of disabling, debilitating and life-threatening conditions. The unique alliance between Generation Scotland and UK Biobank will help keep Scotland and the UK at the forefront of scientific discovery in the 21st century.

To view the joint Press Release issued by Generation Scotland and UK Biobank in May 2007, click here.