The Foundations of Lung Disease team aims to help all kids breathe better, from infancy through to early adult life.
Our research focuses on three broad areas:
Examining childhood lung disease
The team seeks to gain a greater understanding of a variety of lung diseases including asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic lung disease of prematurity and neuromuscular diseases. We are also interested in the impact of inflammation and infection on lung function. Research in this area involves determining the most appropriate methods to assess lung function depending on disease type and age of the child. We are also interested in the detection of sensitive biological markers to identify and prevent the progression of lung disease.
Tracking lung growth and development from infancy to early adulthood
By tracking lung health from birth through childhood, adolescence and early adulthood, the team aims to maximise opportunities to prevent the development and/or improve the management of chronic lung diseases later in life. This involves examining the impact of neonatal factors, low lung function and respiratory symptoms on long-term respiratory outcomes.
Research Translation
Central to the team’s research is expanding the evidence base for international guidelines to improve the clinical management of childhood respiratory diseases. The team fosters local, national, and international collaborations to ensure the most relevant research questions are being asked and the community are actively engaged in research activities. This helps facilitate rapid and effective implementation of research outcomes.
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Featured Projects
FINGERPRINT: FINdinG Early markers of Respiratory disease for survivors of PReterm birth which IdeNtify Treatable traits
This research project will investigate the traits of preterm lung disease, looking into the long-term lung health of children born preterm, aiming to identify traits that could help guide better treatments in the future.
Western Australia Paediatric Bronchiectasis Cohort
Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung disease that impairs quality of life and reduces life expectancy.
PELICAN: Prematurity’s Effects on the Lungs in Children and Adults Network
The PELICAN (Prematurity’s Effects on the Lungs in Children and Adults Network) Clinical Research Collaboration was launched by the European Respiratory Society (ERS) in 2020
Team leader

BMedSci (hons), PhD

BSc (Hons), PhD
Co-Head, Foundations of Lung Disease
Team members (26)

BSc (hons)

BSc (Hons) PhD
Clinical Research Coordinator

PhD, MSc, BSc

BSc (Hons), PhD Candidate

MHlthSc, BBiomedSci
Amber Bates
Consumer Representative
April Htun
Research Assistant
Callan Lavery
Biostatistician
Carvern Jacobs
PhD candidate
Craig Schofield
PhD candidate
Denby Evans
Research Assistant and PhD Student
Faith Mhembere
PhD candidate
Hannah L Moore
PhD candidate
James Gibbons
Respiratory Fellow (PCH) and PhD Student
Kitty Obando
Research Assistant
Michael Beaven
PhD Student
Naomi Chapman
Research Officer
Neave Garland
Research Assistant
Patricia Belinelo
Research Officer
Rebecca Watkinson
Research Officer
Tabitha Cleary
Research Assistant
Tiffany Bradshaw
Research Assistant
Andrew Wilson
Honorary Research Associate
Graham Hall
Honorary Research Associate
Rachel Foong
Honorary Research Associate
Foundations of Lung Disease projects
Featured projects
The Impact of Modulator therapy from Early life on lung health trajectories in Cystic Fibrosis (TIME-CF)
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited condition that results in chronic lung disease. In recent years, a new type of medication called CFTR modulators has become available.
PELICAN: Prematurity’s Effects on the Lungs in Children and Adults Network
The PELICAN (Prematurity’s Effects on the Lungs in Children and Adults Network) Clinical Research Collaboration was launched by the European Respiratory Society (ERS) in 2020