Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences
Edinburgh Neuroscience and CCBS logos

About the Brain and Tissue Bank

Why build a brain bank?

The Edinburgh Brain and Tissue Bank (EBTB) is the only brain bank in Scotland.

We collect tissue from people with various illnesses and diseases, including multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, prion disease and dementia. Donated tissue is made available to researchers in the UK and around the world who are working towards finding treatments and cures for these diseases.

What does the brain and tissue bank contain?

The EBTB contains brain tissue from over 600 individuals who donated tissue in strict accordance with legal requirements and ethically approved procedures. Each donation has been examined by a neuropathologist and given a final diagnosis.

Funding & support

The EBTB depends on the generosity of donors and their families who make the valuable gift of brain tissue after death.

The EBTB is funded by the UK Medical Research Council.

Related links

MRC Brain Banks Network

Edinburgh Brain Bank for Multiple Sclerosis (part of the EBTB) page on the Anne Rowling Clinic website

Neuropathology laboratory at the National CJD Research & Surveillance Unit

Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research