A WORLD-first study being undertaken by Bond Uni- versity researcher Mark Barash is unlocking the secrets to what makes us look the way we do.

The study aims to establish which parts of our DNA influences everything from skin and hair colour to the shape and size of your face, nose, eyes and ears. Israeli-born Mr Barash recently made the move to the Gold Coast from Jerusalem.

He is passionate about the research project and ultimately discovering the secrets behind one of the most important facets of people's personality - their faces.

"On both a personal and professional level I am excited about this research and what I can achieve through explaining who we are and where we come from," Mr Barash said.

"There are a number of exciting implications behind this research from forensics, in relation to victim identification, to criminology through enabling police to identify criminals using DNA by unlocking how our ancestors may have looked."

Using state-of-the-art 3D scanning technology and the research facilities at the faculty, research will identify how DNA acts in specific combinations to produce human characteristics that make a person the way they are.

The research will impact a wide range of fields from forensic science to archaeology. Dean of the faculty, Professor Richard Hays, said this type of research could be undertaken at Bond because of its world-class facilities.

"To have such an innovative project under- taken here at the faculty is a reflection of the skill and expertise of our staff and contributes to our extensive research portfolio" Prof Hays said.

Research like this requires a large number of volunteers to provide a diverse range of DNA.

Mr Barash asks that people book an appointment to be part of the research by contacting him at mbarash@bond.edu.au.