Submitting an annual report

What are annual reports?

Annual reports are where you as a Principal Investigator or Lead Collaborator must provide updates on the progress and outcomes of your research project using UK Biobank data. These reports are a mandatory part of your researcher responsibilities (as laid out in the MTA you signed on registering for UK Biobank) and are crucial in maintaining your ongoing access to the UK Biobank Research Analysis Platform (UKB-RAP).

What information do I need to provide?

You will need to tell us information about:

• Project progress to date
• Your research plan for the next 12 months
• Research outputs such as publications and presentations, including a DOI where you have one

We will also ask you about collaborators, third party data access and to confirm statements about your work.

How do I write and submit my report?

A template annual report form will be made available to you 3 months before your annual report submission is due, you will find it in the “Reports” tab of your project in AMS.  We will email you on this date to let you know the form is available and that your report is now available to complete. When you have submitted your report, you can download a PDF copy for your records.

Who should complete reports?

• Principal Investigators (PIs): Must complete the 'Applicant annual report form'
• Lead Collaborators: Must complete the ‘Collaborator annual report form’

What happens if my report is late?

You will be sent reminders about your report at 3 months, 1 month and 7 days before it needs to be submitted.

If you do not submit your report by the due date, access to the UKB-RAP for both your Organisation and all researchers on the project will be disabled

Your access will be re-instated upon submission of the report.

All institutes listed on your project must complete annual reports to retain access to the UKB-RAP

Tips for completing your annual project report

1. Provide clear and specific updates on research progress: Emphasise outcomes, findings, and any publications or presentations resulting from the data. Include enough detail to assess how UK Biobank data has been used and what health-related insights have been gained.
2. Outline future research plans and goals: Focus on how UK Biobank data will be further analysed in the next 12 months, clearly linking to public health benefits. If there has been a shift in focus since the last report, provide an update with a clear rationale for these changes.
3. Ensure the report reflects current research progress: Avoid repeating last year’s submission. Reflect on actual progress made, new developments, and revised plans for the upcoming year. Provide fresh content that reflects new results, changes in research direction, or new public health insights.
4. Be transparent about challenges and obstacles: If there have been challenges or setbacks, be honest about them. Explain any issues with data analysis, unforeseen delays, or difficulties in interpreting the data, and how these hurdles are being addressed.
5. Outline any wider outputs: Include publications, abstracts, repository use, and other outputs. Ensure you consult our publication requirements when considering wider research outputs.

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