UK Biobank - how big is "big"?
In this presentation, I will briefly overview the design of UK Biobank. In the light of its design I will then consider the scientific roles that UK Biobank will be able to fulfil. Next, I will focus on its sample size – in particular, the number of binary disease end-points it is likely to generate – and will relate these to its realistic statistical power to detect direct and interactive genetic effects. As a standalone project, it is clear that UK Biobank will provide a powerful platform for research into a range of important complex diseases. However, to finish, I will also emphasise the ultimate value of viewing UK Biobank as one element of an international network of harmonized biobanks and will mention some of the pivotal harmonization initiatives that are currently active.