Access, governed by ethics
The WA Human Milk Biobank supports a wide range of human milk research by providing access to ethically collected, quality controlled human milk samples for researchers, clinician researchers, and higher degree research students. Approved applicants from universities, hospitals, and research institutions can apply to access biobank resources to advance scientific understanding of human milk and its role in infant and maternal health.
Grounded in community voice
The WA Human Milk Biobank Consumer Advisory Group brings together mothers with lived breastfeeding experience to provide a community perspective on the ethical and appropriate use of donated human milk samples for research. Members contribute consumer perspectives, suggestions and ideas across all stages of the research cycle, from identifying research priorities, informing grant applications to reviewing participant materials and supporting the communication of research findings. Their input helps ensure that all research is relevant, by identifying the prioritising research areas best aligned with community values and expectations.
Cohort profile
Who are our participants
Biobank participants are lactating women at different stages of lactation, with select cohorts providing additional milk production data to support a deeper understanding of lactation physiology. Future prospective collections will expand geographic representation to include women from across metropolitan and rural Western Australia, enriching the diversity of the sample base. Additional samples are held by the bank from a range of researchers across contributing study cohorts, who welcome enquiries from those interested in exploring secondary analyses aligned with their collections.
Review
Identify available biospecimens or datasets relevant to your research question.
Eligibility
Confirm applicant and study eligibility with the biobank team.
Committee
Consumer feedback, then Scientific Committee assessment, guide the decision.
Review the variable dictionaries
Inspect the variable dictionaries for datasets accessible through the biobank. Download a copy to plan your enquiry before submitting an Expression of Interest.
Demographic Variables
Background questionnaire variables captured for each participant — education, marital status, ethnicity, height and more.
69 variables · .xlsx24hr Milk Production Variables
Variable dictionary for the 24-hour milk profile — study ID, pregnancy complications, baby details and lactation data.
126 variables · .xlsxProjects currently being conducted on the milk samples
- ›Biomarker discovery for low milk production
- ›Changes in human milk proteins and metabolites over time
Begin your enquiry
A short, step-by-step form helps us understand your research needs before you connect with the team.
Which best describes you?
Submitting opens a pre-addressed email to chlrt@uwa.edu.au. No personal health information is requested.
Please cover the following in your enquiry so the Consumer and Scientific Committee can assess it efficiently:
- 01Short background
- 02Primary and secondary aims of the project
- 03Significance of the project — how this contributes to the improvement of mother and baby outcomes
- 04Brief methodology
- 05Expected results
- 06Translation pathway for the project (conference presentation, publications, grant applications)
*Please note: Student applications must include supervisor details.