Children’s Burn Injury Biobank

Why Childhood Burns Happen

Most childhood burns occur in children aged 1–3 years, a stage of rapid development where increasing curiosity and mobility can place them at higher risk of accidental injury.

Advancing Treatment and Healing

Burn care and research have made significant progress in repairing skin and improving scarring outcomes. Many children now heal with minimal scarring, supported by advances such as RECELL®

Looking Beyond the Skin

Our research focus is expanding to better understand the full impact of burns on children and their families, including:

Immune system changes that may affect infection risk.
Psychological impacts of injury and recovery.
Effects on schooling, wellbeing, and social participation.

The Paediatric Biobank

Established in 2020, the paediatric biobank supports long-term research into the broader effects of childhood burns.

With informed consent from patients and carers, we collect:

biological samples (such as blood and hair) at injury and follow-up; and
clinical information and questionnaire data.

We aim to recruit up to 500 children over time, building a unique resource to support future research.

Understanding Stress After Burn Injury

Hair samples allow us to measure levels of cortisol, a natural stress hormone. Because hair grows approximately 1 cm per month, a 3 cm sample can reflect stress levels over a three-month period. By comparing samples taken at the time of injury and at follow-up, we can better understand changes in stress over time.

Why This Research Matters

By combining biological samples, clinical data, and lived experience over time, this research will help us better understand how burns affect children as whole individuals. These insights will support improved treatment approaches and help children and families achieve the best possible recovery and long-term outcomes.

For more information, please contact: