Large Scale Enrollment
The Indiana Biobank works to enroll and sample participants across the state of Indiana through large-scale enrollment methods. This helps ensure that genomic and phenotypic data reflect Indiana’s statewide population. As a result, findings are more applicable to real-world settings and make it easier to study rare or uncommon diseases and genetic variants.
Beginning in 2024, the Indiana Biobank partnered with IU Health to text patients about the opportunity to enroll. Patients who receive the text message can enroll over their cell phone, and a blood sample is drawn at the participant’s next IU Health lab appointment. Over 9,000 participants enrolled via text message in the past year, representing all counties across Indiana.
The Indiana Biobank presents patients with another easy way to enroll via self-guided registration kiosks at IU Health locations statewide. With the pilot launched in March 2026 and state-wide deployment in April 2026, this opportunity allows patients across IU Health to enroll using self-guided registration kiosks in IU Health facilities across Indiana. This opportunity is expected to be presented to almost half a million patients. With minimal barriers to enrollment and streamlined workflows, more patients can choose to become research participants.
By encouraging broad participation, the Indiana Biobank creates a stronger foundation for precision medicine. Using our diverse genomic and clinical data at scale, researchers can develop more targeted therapies, improve risk assessment, and accelerate the translation of discoveries into equitable healthcare solutions.