More than 90,000 babies are taking part in a post-pandemic study into complex health issues in young Victorians.
The GenV initiative, which is one of the world's largest birth and cohort studies, will examine the impacts of COVID-19 and the effect the pandemic has had on new generations, among other health issues.
A robotic biobank will store biological samples provided by participants, such as breast milk and saliva.
This data will guide researchers in how to tackle issues such as asthma, allergies, obesity and mental illness.
Researchers will study babies born between October 2021 and October 2023.
About one in 10 taking part lives in a home where a language other than English is spoken. More than 70 different languages will be represented in the study.
"That really represents the diversity of the Victorian community," Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said on Monday.
The state government has partnered with the Murdoch Children's Research Institute and the Paul Ramsay Foundation.
The project is expected to cost at least $30 million.
Ms Thomas said the initiative would help improve health outcomes for young Victorians and their families.
"The more we understand about the health of our youngest Victorians and how the world around them affects their health - the better we will be able to deliver the health care they need in the future," she said.
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