During the Fenland study we collect a wealth of information from volunteers. We want to make sure this valuable resource contributes to world-leading research that delivers real benefits to the public. We engage with research collaborators across the academic and industry sectors to accelerate advances in knowledge which translate into improved health outcomes for people with obesity, diabetes and related metabolic disorders.

Our top priority is, of course, to maintain the privacy of our volunteers, your anonymous information and samples will only be made available only to bona fide researchers who have relevant scientific approvals for their planned research. This could include researchers who are working in other countries and in commercial companies that are developing new treatments or laboratory tests. In every collaboration, there will be a requirement to publish the results of the research arising out of the data collected by the study in scientific journals in order to benefit the health of the public.

How to contact us

Please contact us if you have any questions about how we process the information we hold about you.

Useful links:

For more information on how we protect your personal data please visit:

https://www.mrc-epid.cam.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Fenland-privacy-statement.pdf

https://www.information-compliance.admin.cam.ac.uk/data-protection

Proteomics in the Fenland study

We are currently embarking on new laboratory-based research using samples collected by the Fenland Study to measure multiple protein levels in collaboration with the company Somalogic. Proteins are important as they have many different and important functions in our bodies. The measurement of circulating blood protein levels provides important clues about biological functions and disease processes.

Until now, protein measurements have generally been performed one by one, using specific targeted techniques. It is now possible to measure proteins for research purposes on a very large-scale (around 5000 proteins simultaneously) using a tiny amount of blood. This is known as Proteomics. This approaches minimises waste of the precious samples that have been collected and stored as part of the Fenland study, and maximises the amount of information gathered, ultimately allowing us to identify new disease biomarkers and better understand the determinants and consequences of protein levels in the human body.