Aspire Award sends WA researcher to inaugural Global Strep A Vaccine Conference

A 2026 Aspire Award will send one of The Kids Research Institute Australia's leading immunologists to connect with the world's foremost Strep A experts at the inaugural Strep A Vaccine Conference in Malaysia next year. 

Associate Professor Alma Fulurija, Head of Strep A Vaccines at The Kids Research Institute Australia in the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases (WCVID), has been awarded The Kids Research Institute Australia Aspire Award sponsored by Western Australia’s Business Events Perth. 

Business Events Perth’s Aspire Awards have supported local researchers, academics and professionals for 26 years to attend international business events and further their professional development.

Associate Professor Fulurija said Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) is a bacterium often found in the throat and on the skin, which can cause common infections like a sore throat and skin infections but can also lead to severe and life-threatening disease.

“Strep A is far more than a sore throat. It can lead to serious complications such as invasive disease and rheumatic heart disease, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children carry some of the highest rates in the world,” Associate Professor Fulurija said.

“A safe, effective vaccine could change that.”

A respected researcher and leader, Assoc/Prof Fulurija is driving important work to advance vaccine development, which could help prevent serious Strep A infections and their long-term health consequences.

Associate Professor Fulurija said that in an exciting and rapidly evolving field, opportunities to attend international conferences are invaluable.

“At the conference, I’ll be showcasing the work of The Kids Vaccine Initiative for Strep A, which is advancing promising vaccine candidates into clinical trials. I’ll also be building the international partnerships we need to get there faster,” Associate Professor Fulurija said.

Her vision is to accelerate the development and evaluation of safe and effective Strep A vaccines through strong local and international partnerships.

“Western Australia has everything we need to advance Strep A vaccine development: world-class laboratories, deep expertise in paediatric clinical trials, and strong partnerships with Aboriginal communities and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services across Australia.

“Working with local and global partners, we aim to deliver the first paediatric trials of a promising Strep A vaccine here in WA.

“I'm truly honoured to receive the Aspire Award from Business Events Perth. It means I can represent Western Australia in Malaysia next year, where the global Strep A vaccine community will come together for the first time,” Associate Professor Fulurija said.

“I’d love to see Perth host this conference in the future too.”