Translational research is conducted using biological samples (such as tumour tissue or blood) collected in the context of BIG trials from patients who have consented to their use, either for specific projects, or for yet undefined future research. The biological samples collected are maintained in qualified biorepositories, which in general are independent from the partners involved in running a particular clinical trial. At a specific point in time, these samples – as well as clinical and other data collected during the course of a trial – are made available to scientists from around the world, both from within and outside of the BIG network.