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Sub-projects

As well as ORIGINS long-term core research, there are a number of clinical trials, early interventions and shorter-term research studies that sit within ORIGINS. Known as sub-projects, these studies look at multiple aspects of child and family health and development.

ORIGINS provides additional opportunities to be involved in exciting new sub-projects that allow further benefits to be gained by families already involved in ORIGINS.

These sub-projects have been launched off the core ORIGINS protocol and look at multiple aspects of child and family health and development. We have categorised our sub-projects across health domains below.

Visit our Sub-Projects Summary page for a list of ORIGINS sub-projects by name.

In addition to the below sub-projects, a further 15 studies are currently under development or seeking approval and/or funding.

Brain & Behaviour

Brain and behaviour research encompasses a child's learning, development and mental health - and the impact and development of conditions like cerebral palsy, autism and intellectual disability.

Growth & Development

Research within this theme is exploring what it takes to help a child flourish and develop resilience as well as investigating long-term impacts on mental and physical health from childhood experience.

Nutrition & Metabolism

ORIGINS has sub-projects exploring the link between a mother's diet during pregnancy and health outcomes of the child. Projects also explore nutrition and eating habits during the early years.

Environment & Lifestyle

Interventions and explorations that focus on modifiable elements of the early life environment are being investigated, to assess and improve all aspects of physical and psychological wellbeing - both in childhood and in later life. These include nutrition, physical activity, time in nature, built environments, plastics and pollutants.

Mental Health & Wellbeing

Mental health and wellness is critical to the overall wellbeing of a person, and can also impact on physical health. Researchers are exploring the mental wellbeing of mothers and their experience of motherhood and pregnancy, and effective support options available. Mental health development of the child is also explored, as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our ORIGINS families.

Parenting

ORIGINS sub-projects are investigating the best way to provide support to new parents and their influence on the health and development of their offspring.

Microbiome

Auto-immune diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis are associated with dysfunction in the microbiome. You need a balance of healthy bugs in your microbiome to keep it on track.

Oral Health

Tooth decay remains one of the most common diseases in young children. It can cause pain and infection and, if it remains untreated, can affect eating, speech, and sleep in children. Researchers are exploring the importance of early intervention and education for child dental health outcomes.

Sub-Project Initiation & Approval Process

Find Out More

Got a great research idea?

Accessing the ORIGINS cohort, database or biological samples involves a process of review and approval.

Find out how to get your sub-project approved and off the ground.

Find Out More