The ORIGINS Biobank currently contains approximately 370,000+ biological samples and this is expected to grow to 750,000 individual samples by 2027. 
Research involving human genetic information analysed in conjunction with other personal or health data has become increasingly important for understanding risk factors underlying complex diseases. Such research is critical to improvements in detection, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cures.
To support this research, great emphasis has been placed on the establishment of resources comprised of data, biological samples and information derived from the analysis of those samples.
The Telethon Kids Institute, internationally recognised for research excellence in maternal and child health, is the custodian of the ORIGINS Biobank and is responsible for its management. If The ORIGINS Project ceases, the biobank will remain with the Institute to ensure the biobank continues to be available for researchers.
The ORIGINS biobank sponsor is Western Diagnostic Pathology (WDP). WDP staff process the majority of the ORIGINS biological samples at the WDP state laboratory. The remainder of the biological samples are processed at the Telethon Kids Institute within the Perth Children’s Hospital. The ORIGINS biobank will be stored long-term at this site, as well as on the premises of a Telethon Kids Institute subsite in Subiaco.
Researchers may request to access biological samples for the purpose of laboratory analysis and/or for genetic studies. The Executive will approve physical release of biological samples to researchers who have completed the Sub-Project Initiation and Approval Process, justifying the use of the biological samples.
Prior to receipt of the biological samples, researchers must complete a Release of Biological Information form and Material Transfer Agreement.
Publication
"The ORIGINS Project Biobank: A Collaborative Bio Resource for Investigating the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease" has been published in Int Journal of Enviro Research and Public Health (Jul 2023). https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/20/13/6297
Contact the Research Translation team to find out about the cost of accessing ORIGINS data and samples.
Please note: Cohort compliance with sample collection protocol is not guaranteed and the volume of available data does not directly correlate with participant numbers. Please contact the ORIGINS Research and Translation team for information on availability of data and samples suitable to your research.
Available Data and Biological Samples
The ORIGINS Project incorporates a strong emphasis on sustainability and the project is building a large repository of biological and lifestyle data not otherwise available to researchers in Australia.
The ORIGINS Biobank: ORIGINS is aiming to collect biological samples from 10,000 participant children and their families at 10 timepoints between the time of pregnancy and the child turning five years of age. Currently the Biobank has more than 300,000 samples.
The ORIGINS Databank: ORIGINS is collecting physiological, biological and clinical data from the mother, partner/father and child at numerous points to track development and change. Currently the Databank has more than 13 million data points.