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Sub-project initiation & approval process

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

All requests for access to and/or use of ORIGINS data and biological samples are encouraged from new and existing researchers. 

Researchers that access data and/or biological samples will be referred to within ORIGINS as a 'sub-project' - a nested research project or study that is incorporated into and/or connected to ORIGINS via access to and/or use of the ORIGINS cohort or database.

All new sub-project applications require a completed Research Proposal Form to be submitted to ORIGINS Project Management Group and Scientific Committee for review and approval. This will allow the ORIGINS Project  Management Group and Scientific Committee to assess:

  • The viability and feasibility of the research (e.g., timeframe, available resources, budget)
  • Any potential overlap with currently approved sub-projects
  • Whether the research questions, aims and objectives are consistent with the goals, vision and strategy of ORIGINS
  • Whether the methods and sample size are appropriate and justified
  • Whether the number of participants and/or volumes/biological samples requested are justifiable in terms of participant burden and impact to the finite ORIGINS Biobank
  • If the research team are suitably qualified and experienced to implement the proposed sub-project
  • If there is sufficient community and consumer input

Complete your Research Proposal Form here.

If you have any questions regarding accessing ORIGINS data and/or samples, a potential sub-project, or wanting to work with ORIGINS, please email the research translation team. 

How to Start a Sub-Project Within ORIGINS

After full research ethics approval is obtained from an NHMRC-registered Human Research Ethics Committee of the researchers choice, all ORIGINS sub-projects are required to enter into either a sub-collaboration agreement or a letter agreement, depending on the nature and scope of the sub-project. 

These agreements clearly outline ORIGINS' expectations, obligations, and reporting requirements. 

Full approval for the sub-project will be granted upon completion of all steps outlined in the provisional approval letter, including submission of essential documentation and confirmation of payment.

A ‘Welcome to ORIGINS’ meeting is then held to start the project implementation process.

Sub-project approval flow chart

Sub-Project Research Proposal Form

Applicant details

* Required information

Sub-project type and ORIGINS resources

Select ALL that apply

* Required information

Research area/s

Select ALL that apply

* Required information

Sub-project team

Please indicate if team members are located outside of Australia

* Required information

Chief Investigator

* Required information

ORIGINS Investigator

If you don't yet have an ORIGINS Investigator assigned to your sub-project, please leave this section blank.

* Required information

Co-Investigator

* Required information

Co-Investigator

* Required information

Additional sub-project team members

If required, please add the details of additional sub-project team members below including consumer investigators.

* Required information

Sub-project description

A short lay summary of intended research; maximum of 200 words

* Required information

Ethics and governance

Following ORIGINS approval for this sub-project, researchers are responsible for obtaining approval from the relevant Human Research Ethics Committees and Governance Committees before gaining access to the ORIGINS cohort, data, and/or biological samples. Please notify ORIGINS once you have submitted your ethics and governance applications. A copy of the final applications, approval letters, and any amendments must be provided to ORIGINS.

* Required information

Ethics application

* Required information

Internal ORIGINS sub-project

Projects classified as internal ORIGINS sub-projects are eligible for fee waivers for accessing ORIGINS data, analysed sample data, biological samples, and participant recruitment (subject to project’s scale). These projects are designed to boost research outputs and impact, assist in future grant applications, and contribute to the sustainability of ORIGINS.

* Required information

Budget

Sub-projects are required to include a budget with their research proposal, detailing the estimated costs for the duration of the sub-project, including ORIGINS administration and access fees.

* Required information

Funding

All sub-projects are required to have sufficient funds to cover their costs, including ORIGINS administration and access fees. Research proposals should be approved by ORIGINS before applying for external funding. Ensure that funds are available to cover all associated fees.

* Required information

Student involvement

ORIGINS is committed to supporting PhD students involved in research project. To encourage their participation, ORIGINS offers various incentives for projects that include a PhD student. By supporting PhD students, ORIGINS aims to foster their development and contribute to their research success.

* Required information

Timeframe of the sub-project

* Required information

Recruitment of participants from the ORIGINS cohort

* Required information

Accessing ORIGINS Active Participant biological samples

M = mother | P = partner/father | C = child/infant | * = completed once antenatally | † = subset of ORIGINS participants (small number of samples)

* Required information

Accessing ORIGINS Active Participant data

Before accessing ORIGINS data, a Release of Data form will need to be completed in collaboration with the ORIGINS Data Team. * = completed once antenatally

* Required information

Accessing ORIGINS Routine Participant data

M = mother | P = partner/father | C = child/infant | * = completed once antenatally | § = standardised questionnaires

* Required information

Accessing ORIGINS clinical assessment data

M = mother | P = partner/father Active Participants data only

* Required information

Collection of additional data and/or biological samples

The below information has been requested to determine the feasibility and appropriateness of new data and/or sample collection to be undertaken by the proposed sub-project. Please note that sub-projects are obliged to harmonise sampling and outcome measures where possible and appropriate.

* Required information

Consumer/community engagement

Meaningful input and contribution from the community, consumers, and other stakeholders are essential to ORIGINS and its sub-projects. Researchers are encouraged to engage with community members and ORIGINS participants as early as possible during the development, planning, and integration of their sub-project.

* Required information

Consumer representative

* Required information

Research dissemination and translation

Planned research dissemination and translation activities (planned publications, presentations, changes to clinical practice, etc. If the proposed sub-project has a translational component, explain how knowledge resulting from this research could drive advancements in health and/or development outcomes)

* Required information

Sub-project contribution to ORIGINS

* Required information

Signed acknowledgement

Signed for and on behalf of all investigators listed above who have read and agree to the contents of this form.

* Required information

Submit your research proposal

* Required information