The Biosamples Expert Advisory Committee (BEAC) was established as an independent body of experts who provide strategic oversight and guidance regarding the optimal utilisation of biosamples.
The BEAC’s primary goal is to ensure that the valuable biosamples collected from the Raine Study participants since 1989, as well as any future biosample resources, are leveraged to their fullest potential in line with the following objectives:
- Provide expert guidance on the analysis of available biosamples, ensuring they significantly contribute to scientific research and innovation.
- Independently assess biosample requests from researchers, considering expertise in relevant fields to ensure the merit and strategic alignment of proposed projects.
- Develop and recommend strategic plans that ensure equitable access to biosample resources while maximising their scientific impact.
- Prioritise biosamples analyses based on their relevance and potential to add value to existing data.
- Provide costing guidance by advising the Raine Study Board on a costing model for biosample utilisation.
- Guide materials transfer agreements and recommending legal consultation when necessary.
Members were drawn from UJV partner organisations and external institutions. The following individuals were selected based on their expertise and experience in relevant fields:
Dr Chris Gorman, Biospecimen Service Manager, The Kids Research Institute Australia
Prof Elin Gray, Deputy Director, Edith Cowan University’s Centre for Precision Health
Dr Jenette Creaney, Scientific Director, NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence
A/Prof Mark Watson, Manager, Facilities and Medical Genomics Laboratory Services
Dr Nina D’Vaz, ORIGINS Biobank Manager, The Kids Research Institute Australia
A/Prof Peter Eichhorn, Dean of Research Infrastructure, Curtin University
Winthrop Prof Fiona Wood FRACS AO, Director, Royal Perth Hospital Burns Unit & WA Burns Service
A/Prof Mark Fear, Principal Research Fellow, University of Western Australia’s Burn Injury Research Unit
Dr Simon Carrivick, Head of Biochemistry Department, WA Health
Prof Trevor Mori, Senior Principal Research Fellow, University of Western Australia’s Medical School
A/Prof Rebecca Glauert, Scientific Director, Raine Study; Director, Australian Child and Youth Wellbeing Atlas; Principal Research Fellow, University of Western Australia’s School of Population and Global Health