UK Biobank
Kathryn Sweeney is an experienced laboratory professional with a strong background in quality control and analytical chemistry. Currently serving as a Laboratory Project Officer at UK Biobank since June 2020, Kathryn has previously held roles including Laboratory Project Technician at the same organization. Prior experience includes working as a Chemistry Technical Officer at Quality Control North West, where Kathryn conducted QC analysis using various techniques such as HPLC and GC. As a QC Analyst at Pharmaserve NW, work involved analysis of aerosols and sprays to GMP standards, alongside method updates and participation in the Waste Reduction EHS team. Kathryn also has experience as a Laboratory Technician at AstraZeneca, focusing on chemical analysis in the Quality Assurance department, and as a Student R&D/QC Chemist at Syntor Fine Chemicals Ltd. Educational qualifications include a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Central Lancashire and an MSci in Natural Sciences from Durham University.
UK Biobank
UK Biobank is a large-scale biomedical database and research resource containing genetic, lifestyle and health information from half a million UK participants. UK Biobank’s database, which includes blood samples, heart and brain scans and genetic data of the 500,000 volunteer participants, is globally accessible to approved researchers who are undertaking health-related research that’s in the public interest. UK Biobank recruited 500,000 people aged between 40-69 years in 2006-2010 from across the UK. With their consent, they provided detailed information about their lifestyle, physical measures and had blood, urine and saliva sample collected and stored for future analysis. UK Biobank’s research resource is a major contributor in the advancement of modern medicine and treatment, enabling better understanding of the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of serious and life-threatening illnesses – including cancer, heart diseases and stroke. UK Biobank is generously supported by its founding funders the Wellcome Trust and UK Medical Research Council, as well as the Department of Health, Scottish Government, the Northwest Regional Development Agency, British Heart Foundation and Cancer Research UK. The organisation has over 150 dedicated members of staff, based in multiple locations across the UK.