FaceBase provides curated human craniofacial datasets—including 3D facial images, morphometric measurements, and genomic data—to support research on facial development, variation, and disorders. Much of the data is available through controlled access to ensure privacy while enabling high-value scientific discovery.

Browse all human datasets
FaceBase human datasets

Datasets by Assay Types

Dataset Summary

Explore available data organized by anatomy, life stage, and assay type.

Morphometrics Resources

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3D Facial Norms

This popular resource provides access to high-quality craniofacial anthropometric normative data based on digital stereophotogrammetry, a method of 3D surface imaging ideally suited for capturing human facial surface morphology.
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Facial Scans

FaceBase hosts an assortment of large facial scans databases comprising thousands of human subjects partcipants. In addition to facial scans, these datasets often include genomically confirmed diagnoses.
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Facial Landmarking (software)

This facial landmarking algorithm uses a landmarked template and transfers the landmarks to a given subject through a dense shape morph. This algorithm should be useful for facial data represented by meshes of similar structure and quality.

Genomics Resources

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Human Genomics Analysis Interface (HGAI)

Explore human genomics analysis results for oral facial clefting, facial variation, and dental traits. Open access data.
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Biorepository

Samples collected as part of the FaceBase Biorepository (FaceBase 1) are available to researchers interested in collaborating with the University of Iowa on projects focusing on genetics and Craniofacial conditions.
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Gene Wiki

A listing of genes known to play a role in craniofacial development. Many include links to full descriptions on Wikipedia.
UCSC NCBI36/hg18 Browser

UCSC Genome NCBI36/hg18 Browser Tracks

Browse human genomes NCBI36/hg18 Assembly provided by FaceBase.
UCSC GRCh37/hg19 Browser

UCSC Genome GRCh37/hg19 Browser Tracks

Browse human genomes GRCh37/hg19 Assembly provided by FaceBase.

Controlled Access Data Repository

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Controlled Access Data

FaceBase offers an array of facial scans, GWAS, morphometrics and other protected human data that require making a request from the FaceBase Data Access Committee.
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Requesting controlled access data

Learn more about FaceBase policies and procedures for requesting access to controlled access data and renewing requests before they expire.

External Resources