The Raine Study has reached a major milestone with the recruitment of its 500th Generation 3 participant, 14-month-old baby, Esme—signalling a new era in intergenerational health research.
Generation 3 participants – the children of the babies born into the Raine Study cohort between 1989 and 1992 (our Generation 2 participants) — are now contributing vital early-life data that will inform future health policy and research.
Thanks to the generous support of Channel 7 Telethon Trust, the Raine Study has been able to recruit and expand its reach to include this third generation, delivering rich, longitudinal biological and lifestyle information that helps researchers understand how factors such as genetics, environment, and lifestyle shape health and wellbeing over time.
Esme’s involvement continues a family legacy that began with her grandmother’s participation in the study over 35 years ago. Her father, Phil, is a Generation 2 participant, and one of the 2868 babies born into the study between 1989 and 1992.
His partner and Esme’s mother, Emily, is also now invited to volunteer her information, allowing researchers to collect holistic data from both biological parents—an important step in understanding the intergenerational dynamics of health and wellbeing.
For Phil and Emily, the Raine Study represents more than just research – it’s a living legacy. With all three of their children involved, the family’s commitment is strong. Esme’s siblings, Hamish and Daisy proudly became the 498th and 499th Generation 3 participants.
“It’s become a shared experience for our whole family,” Phil said. “Thanks to Channel 7 Telethon Trust and the Raine Study, we’re part of something that’s helping improve lives for future generations.”
Even the youngest children in Generation 3 are helping researchers learn more about health over a lifetime – sometimes requiring the Raine Study team to think creatively in their approach.
“Catching Esme’s wee in a pot? Definitely weird,” Phil laughs.
14-month-old daughter Esme was oblivious to the fanfare surrounding the significance of her visit in July to Raine House at The University of Western Australia’s campus in Crawley. In years to come, she may understand the gravity of continuing a family legacy that began with her grandmother’s involvement in the original cohort over 30 years ago.
With 500 Generation 3 participants now enrolled, the Raine Study is delivering on its promise: providing researchers with unparalleled intergenerational insights—made possible by the vision and funding of Channel 7 Telethon Trust.
Photo: Clockwise, L-R Raine Study participants Emily, Phil, 6-year-old Hamish, 4-year-old Daisy and the Raine Study’s 500th Generation 3 participant, 14-month-old Esme.
Media contact:
Heather Eaton, Communications Manager
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