DS Biome was built through citizen engagement from the ground up. 

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The study was conceived, shaped and operationalised through the leadership of the Down syndrome community, who identified the scientific gap, initiated scientific collaboration, co-developed the study design and protocols and contributed substantively to the accessibility, feasibility and day-to-day conduct of the research. 

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Citizen engagement is not simply an adjunct to DS Biome; it’s the foundation upon which it rests.