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.

Accessing the WA Human Milk Biobank begins with reviewing our available data lists to determine whether we hold the samples or data needed to answer your research question. If the biobank can support your study, the next step is to check your eligibility, followed by completing and submitting an Expression of Interest form. Approved expressions of interest then enter a two-step review process: your proposal is first presented to our consumer group, whose lived experience perspectives provide valuable feedback to strengthen the research. Once consumer feedback has been considered and incorporated, the proposal is reviewed by our Scientific Committee, who assess the study design, ethical considerations, and overall feasibility before a final decision is made.

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. Samples are held by a range of researchers across contributing study cohorts, who welcome enquiries from those interested in exploring secondary analyses aligned with their collections.