Australian Inflammatory Bowel Disease Study
Researchers within the Sydney+ IBD Research Consortia and the Microbiome Research Centre, UNSW Sydney are inviting people with IBD, their family members and the general population to learn about the changes in the human microbiome.
How to participate
Click here or scan to the QR code below to complete the short survey and a member or our team will get in touch with the next steps.
What is the microbiome?
The microbiome is the population of microbes occupying various sites within our bodies, and it is already known to play a major role in diseases such as IBD. If we can understand how the microbiome changes through the course of IBD development and treatment, then we have the potential to positively change health outcomes for future generations.
Eligibility Criteria for Participation in the Study
You may be eligible to participate in this study if you meet the following criteria:
- Aged between 6 and 80 years.
- Diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), have a family member with IBD, or do not have IBD.
- Willing and able to comply with all study requirements.
- Able to provide written informed consent (or assent with parental/guardian consent, if applicable).
- Available to participate in the study for a period of 24 months.
You would not be eligible to participate if:
- You have taken antibiotics within the past 3 months.
- You have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- You are currently pregnant.
- You require interpreter services for standard care or to understand the study documentation.
What participation involve
If you choose to take part in this research, you will be asked to:
- Provide biological samples and complete questionnaires every 3 months over a 24-month period.
- Be available for the full duration of the study (24 months).
- Share your height, weight, medical history, and complete lifestyle and dietary assessments.
- Provide multi-site microbiome samples, which will include oral swabs, stool samples, and blood tests.
Participation is entirely voluntary, and you are free to withdraw at any time.
Frequently asked questions
Would I be paid to take part in the research study?
There are no costs to participate in this study, and you will not be paid to participate.
Who do I contact if I want more information or want to take part in the study?
If you would like more information or are interested in being part of the study please contact the AIM Study Co-ordinator.
Email: aim_study@unsw.edu.au
Phone: 02 9113 1855
Approvals
This study has been Approved by the South Eastern Sydney LHD Research Ethics Committee HREC approval number: 2019/ETH11344
This study is registered on the ANZCTR, ACTRN12619000911190.
Additionally, the following sites are approved recruitment hospitals.
Last updated with protocol 1.17 dated 29 April 2025
