How do I extend the duration of my project?

If your project has not yet expired, you can request a duration extension of 12, 24 or 36 months.

In order to extend the duration of the project you will need to submit a duration extension change request as detailed in this user guide.

• Note: The extension reason field has a maximum limit of 1,400 characters. If you receive a server error during submission, please check that your response does not exceed this limit.

Once a duration extension has been approved, UK Biobank will:

• Issue updated Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs) where applicable.

• Send a payment request to the Applicant Institution for processing.

The extension fee is calculated based on:

• The length of the extension requested.

• The data access tier previously approved.

• The number of collaborating institutions named on the project.

For full pricing details, please refer to the Costs page on the UK Biobank website.

I wish to continue my project on UKB-RAP. How should I proceed?

Researchers wishing to continue work on the UK Biobank Research Analysis Platform (UKB-RAP) must complete all mandatory training modules before accessing the platform. Additional guidance is available here on our UK Biobank Community. 

• Important: All new and updated UK Biobank data can only be accessed for analysis through UKB-RAP, regardless of any decisions relating to data download exemptions.

Eligibility for a duration extension

To be eligible for a duration extension:

• The request must be submitted within one month of the project end date.
• Following submission, researchers have up to three months to make payment.

Late extension requests

If a duration extension request is submitted more than one month after the project end date, the project will not be eligible for an extension. In these circumstances, researchers will normally be required to:

1. Close the project
2. Delete all project data
3. Submit a new application on AMS.

What happens if payment is not received?

Researchers have up to three months from the date of their duration extension request to make payment. If payment is not received within this timeframe, the extension request cannot be progressed. In these circumstances, researchers will normally be required to:

1. Close their project
2. Delete all project data
3. Submit a new application on AMS. 

Exceptional circumstances

If there are exceptional circumstances that may affect payment timelines, researchers should contact the Research Support team as soon as possible to discuss their situation.

• ams-user-guide-8-projects-change-requests-v3.pdf700 KB