The Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre is thrilled to see three researchers awarded prestigious Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Chronic Respiratory Conditions grants to improve lung health in children.
These projects span early detection, Indigenous health, and preterm birth-related lung disease, all aiming to transform care and outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Understanding lung disease after preterm birth – Dr Denby Evans
Many people that were born early, or preterm, will develop multiple symptoms or types of lung disease during their lifetime – such as asthma. Dr Denby Evans' project will study hundreds of proteins in blood samples from babies, children and adults born preterm to uncover biological markers linked to different types of lung disease. This cutting-edge research will help doctors better understand, diagnose, and treat preterm-associated lung disease beyond the neonatal intensive care period. Excitingly, this grant marks a major achievement for Dr Evans, who completed her PhD in 2024 and is now leading this Category 1 grant as Chief Investigator.
Improving lung health in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children - Professor Andre Schultz
Chronic wet cough is common in Indigenous children and can indicate disease that can lead to serious conditions like bronchiectasis - a disease that shortens life expectancy and causes long-term health issues. Professor André Schultz's project will build on what his team has learned from years of research in partnership with Aboriginal communities. Importantly, it takes the next step: refining and implementing improved methods to drive faster, more effective change in both communities and clinics. These strengthened, community informed approaches will now be rolled out and tested in a clinical trial across 20 WA clinics, aiming to accelerate early detection and treatment pathways and ultimately prevent lung damage.
Early detection of lung disease - Associate Professor Kathryn Ramsey
Low lung function in childhood is a significant predictor of chronic lung disease in adulthood. However, we currently lack sensitive lung function tests that can be applied in young children. Associate Professor Kathryn Ramsey's project will provide the evidence needed to implement sensitive, easy-breathing lung function tests into the clinic. By supporting early detection of lung function impairment, treatments can be offered in childhood to preserve lifelong lung health, reduce risk of chronic disease, and prevent premature death.
Together, these projects reflect Wal-yan’s leadership in improving lung health from infancy through adulthood.
The Wal-yan Respiratory Centre is a powerhouse partnership between The Kids Research Institute Australia, Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation and Perth Children’s Hospital.