The DMMC's Programme for Human Genomics (PHG) is establishing a unique Irish bioresource comprising genes, proteins and tissues integrated with uniform and accurate phenotypic data.

Coupled with the relative genetic homogeneity of the Irish population this will confer Irish biomedical researchers with a significant advantage over international competitors placing them at the fulcrum of international collaborative research efforts in genomics and proteomics. The BioResource will seamlessly integrate state-of-the-art genotypying and phenotyping activities in Dublin's major teaching hospitals with cutting-edge core laboratory research programmes of the DMMC.

The core components of the Irish Bioresource are:

1. A network of Genome Resource Units in Dublin hospitals, designed to access genetic material, phenotypic data and tissues from patients drawn from approximately half of the Irish patient population;

2. A central management and implementation structure to: (a) ensure uniformity and quality in clinical phenotyping, (b) standardise methods for harvesting and storage of clinical materials, and (c) ensure that investigators have appropriate access to the resource;

3. Core expertise in genetic epidemiology, bioinformatics and data management that will complement laboratory-based programmes in functional genomics and proteomics;

4. A trans-institutional bioethical review committee to ensure that the scientific programme adheres to the highest ethical standards.