The Raine Study investigators bring expertise from 14 Special Interest Groups (SIGs) which are aligned to a life-course framework covering multidisciplinary expertise and multiple time points.
The SIGs are based around key datasets within four overarching pillars of health research: Physical Health, Mental Health, Lifestyle, and Genetics.
There is also a cohort methods SIG to support the quality and efficiency of analyses.
The role of the SIGs is to develop and enhance utilisation of data resources. The SIGs have leaders and members likely drawn from a number of the financial partners to encourage cross-institutional collaboration.
The Bio Special Interest Group looks at body composition, including growth, size, adiposity, bone, muscle, 3D facial morphology, muscles, nutrients, infectious disease and dental health. It is led by Professor Romola Bucks, from the University of Western Australia and Associate Professor Rebecca Glauert, also from the University of Western Australia.
The Cardiometabolic Special Interest Group research areas include the heart, vessels, liver, kidney, microbiomes and gastro-intestinal areas. It is led by Professor Trevor Mori, from The University of Western Australia and Dr Koya Ayonrinde, from The University of Western Australia.
This special interest group ensures best practice data analysis is used and is led by Professor Max Bulsara and Angela Jacques from the University of Notre Dame Australia.
The Diet Special Interest Group has a focus on diet and dietary behaviour and is led by Associate Professor Therese O’Sullivan from Edith Cowan University.
The Education and Work special interest group looks at primary and secondary school achievement, post-secondary education, occupation, work perceptions, work productivity and economics. It is led by Dr Lynette Vernon from Murdoch University.
Our Environmental and Perinatal Exposures Special Interest Group is able to investigate areas of human exposure to different factors from before birth and over the life course of participants. It is led by Dr Peter Franklin, from The University of Western Australia and Dr Shin Lee, from King Edward Memorial Hospital.
Our Genetics Special Interest is able to investigate areas of human genetic and epigenetics. It is led by Dr Phillip Melton from The University of Western Australia and Professor Craig Pennell, the University of Newcastle.
The Health Risk Behaviour Special Interest Group looks at drug use – including alcohol, tobacco and other drugs as well as sexual behaviour and driving patterns. It is overseen by Professor Rachel Skinner from The University of Sydney and Dr Jennifer Marino from The University of Melbourne.
The Hormonal and Reproduction Special Interest Group is focused on the early life factors affecting male and female reproductive function. It is led by Prof Roger Hart, The University of Western Australia; Prof Martha Hickey, The University of Melbourne; and Dr Melanie Walls, The University of Western Australia.
The Psychological Special Interest Group looks at cognition, language, mood and mental health. It is led by Associate Professor Ashleigh Lin and Dr Monique Robinson.
The Musculoskeletal Special Interest Group has research interests in pain and arthritis and is led by Dr Robert Waller from Curtin University.
Our Respiratory, Immunology and Inflammation Special Interest Group is able to investigate areas of research relating to respiratory health and immune function and/or inflammation. It is led by Dr Rachel Foong, from the Telethon Kids Institute and Dr Emma de Jong, from the Telethon Kids Institute.
The Senses Special Interest Group has a focus on research relating to eyes and ears. It is led by Dr Christopher Brennan-Jones, from Telethon Kids Institute, Dr Rob Eikelboom, from Ear Science Institute of Australia and Professor David Mackey, from the Lions Eye Institute.
The Physical Activity and Sleep Special Interest Group looks at physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep. It is led by Associate Professor Joanne McVeigh, from Curtin University and Dr Nigel Mcardle, from the University of Western Australia.