Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre

25/07/2025

A new paper published in Frontiers in Pediatrics offers clinicians a practical roadmap to improve healthcare outcomes for Indigenous children, starting with respect, communication, and cultural understanding.

Co-authored by Dr André Schultz, Head of the Wal-yan Respiratory Centre, and the team at the NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence (CRE) in paediatric lung health, the paper outlines evidence-based principles for delivering culturally safe care to Indigenous families.

The message? A small shift in approach - listening, sharing meaningful health information, and building trust - can make a big difference.

Read more: https://walyanrespiratory.thekids.org.au/news-and-events/2025/guidance-aims-to-transform-indigenous-healthcare/

Image credit: Stephen Heath | Supplied: PCHF

18/07/2025

A unique twin study, led by Dr Jonatan Leffler at the Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre, reveals that while genetics play a major role in shaping children’s immune systems, environmental factors also significantly influence how the immune system responds to allergens.

By studying 93 twin pairs aged 7 to 13, researchers discovered that some immune traits are largely inherited, while others are shaped by the environment. This opens the door to targeted interventions that could help prevent allergic diseases, even in children with a genetic predisposition.

“This research reframes the allergy conversation. While genetics set the stage, the environment may write the script," Dr Leffler said.

Learn more about the study here: https://walyanrespiratory.thekids.org.au/news-and-events/2025/unique-twin-study-reveals-clues/

The Kids Research Institute Australia Perth Children's Hospital Foundation Perth Children's Hospital and Health Service

A study published in Science Advances has revealed that while genetics play a significant role in shaping children's immune systems, environmental factors also influence key immune responses, offering opportunity for preventing allergic diseases.

16/07/2025

A comprehensive systematic review meta-analysis, published by Wal-yan Respiratory Centre researcher Michael Beaven, found that people born prematurely (before 37 weeks) tend to have reduced heart and lung function during exercise, even into adulthood.

Compared to those born at full term, preterm-born individuals showed:
➡Lower ability to take in and use oxygen
➡Weaker breathing and heart responses during physical activity
➡Earlier signs of fatigue during exercise

These differences may increase the risk of health problems over time. The findings suggest that regular cardio based physical activity and fitness is especially important for those born preterm.

Read the full paper here: https://publications.ersnet.org/content/errev/34/176/240163

11/07/2025

We’re thrilled to share that Talya Conradie, a PhD student at the Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre, has been awarded a prestigious Cystic Fibrosis WA 2025 Postgraduate Top-Up Scholarship.

Talya’s project, titled “New ways to stop lung infections caused by viruses in people with cystic fibrosis,” is tackling one of the most pressing challenges faced by children with CF - their vulnerability to respiratory viruses due to mucus buildup in the lungs.

While current treatments are mostly reactive, Talya’s research aims to shift the paradigm by exploring preventative strategies that preserve lung health. Her work will investigate how the antibiotic azithromycin might influence naturally occurring viruses to reduce inflammation, and how bacterial communities in the nose could help predict and prevent infections.

This innovative research could open the door to new treatment strategies and improve the lives of children living with cystic fibrosis.

Congratulations Talya!

We are pleased to share that we have awarded the first two CF research recipients for 2025; made possible with funding from the WA Cystic Fibrosis Research Collaborative Program.

This research program is a partnership between the Western Australian Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund and Cystic Fibrosis WA, in collaboration with Conquer Cystic Fibrosis.

Sarah Thomas and Talya Conradie have each been awarded a Postgraduate Top-Up Scholarship to support their cystic fibrosis research.

Visit our website to learn more about this exciting work. www.cfwa.org.au/what-we-offer/research-advocacy/wa-cystic-fibrosis-research-collaboration-program

11/07/2025

Help shape the future of Australian health and medical research - your voice matters!

The Kids Research Institute Australia, the National Health and Medical Research Council - NHMRC and Consumers Health Forum of Australia are working together to deliver a series of roundtables (in-person & online) to gather feedback on the national Statement on Community Involvement in Health and Medical Research.

Express your interest today! (Community attendees receive $50).

Spots are limited - register and help us build a more inclusive, collaborative future for health and medical research: https://www.thekids.org.au/roundtables

30/05/2025

As Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Awareness Month draws to a close, we are shining light on one of the most common genetic disorders affecting children, with one in 200 WA kids living with the condition.

Thanks to ongoing research and community support from the Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre, there’s hope for these children and their families.

We are thrilled to highlight the incredible work of Honorary Research Fellow Dr David Hancock and his team, who are dedicated to better understanding, treating and ultimately preventing CF in kids.

We would also like to take this opportunity to introduce you to The Kids’ Community Involvement Coordinator Mitch Messer, who was born with CF. Over his lifetime, Mitch has witnessed the remarkable progress in CF treatment and awareness, and continues to be a passionate advocate for the CF community.

Learn more here: https://shorturl.at/W99td

Cystic Fibrosis Australia

04/05/2025

Registrations are open for FINGERPRINT's upcoming webinar: Prematurity Associated Lung Disease: What does primary care need to know?

👉 Thursday 22nd May, 2025
👉 4pm - 5pm AWST
👉 Online event
👉 Register now: https://bit.ly/3RFV0Rr

Accredited by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, this webinar directed at primary care clinicians, will explore prematurity-associated lung disease across the lifespan, with a focus on holistic care, long-term impacts, and practical strategies to support patients and families.

Attendees will learn about risk factors, management, and also receive the latest resources to inform your practice.

Hear from the below Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre experts alongside parents with lived experience of caring for a child born preterm

• Shannon Simpson: Co-Head Children's Lung Health
• Amber Bates: Consumer Representative and parent
• James Gibbons: Respiratory and Sleep Paediatrician
• Wayne Ratajczak: Consumer Representative and parent

Register now: https://bit.ly/3RFV0Rr

Lung Foundation Australia Asthma Australia TSANZ - Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand

23/04/2025

Are you or your child affected by a lung condition? If your answer is 'yes,' then we need your voice to help shape the future of child's lung health research!

In May and June, we’re holding four conversations with the community in the Perth metro area, and online, for those living regionally to find out what research areas are most important to you regarding kids' lung health.

All attendees will be reimbursed $100 for their time and refreshments will be provided.

No preparation is needed - just bring your thoughts! We’d love for you to simply reflect on the questions featured in the link below and to share your insights during our consultation.

Register your interest here: https://walyanrespiratory.thekids.org.au/news-and-events/2025/future-research-focus-areas-in-kids-lung-health/

10/04/2025

Congratulations to Wal-yan researcher, Dr Tom Iosifidis who has been $100,000 in FHRI Fund’s Near Miss Awards. 👏

This substantial grant will accelerate Dr Iosifidis’ research in the AERIAL study, which is working to identify early-life biomarkers for childhood asthma.

Using nasal and placental samples from the AERIAL study, his research will explore how environmental exposures in utero and early infancy influence asthma risk. This could help identify at-risk children earlier and open up opportunities for preventive care.

👏 Congratulations to nine outstanding researchers from The Kids Research Institute Australia, who have received vital backing through the WA Near Miss Awards — ensuring their groundbreaking work can continue.

Funded by the WA Government’s Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund, these awards support researchers who narrowly missed out on national funding.

From improving outcomes for Indigenous children with chronic lung disease to developing AI-powered diagnostic tools, innovative cancer immunotherapies, and important vaccine programs, these projects are paving the way for a healthier future for our kids.

Meet the recipients and learn more about their inspiring research ➡️ thekids.org.au/news--events/news-and-events-nav/2025/april/wa-near-miss-awards/

The University of Western Australia | Curtin University | Perth Children's Hospital and Health Service | Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases | Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre | WA Department of Health | Telethon7 Perth

03/04/2025

🌍 Wal-yan Researchers to Present at the UN! 🌍

Join us as Professor Peter Le Souëf and Dr. Melinda Judge present groundbreaking research at the 58th United Nations Commission on Population and Development in New York on Tuesday, April 8th.

As part of the Population Matters delegation, they’ll be presenting at a special side-event on the Fragile Futures report - an international collaboration between Wal-yan researchers and experts from Barcelona, California, and South Australia.

The report challenges current UN projections, showing that infant mortality is rising in several countries and warning that climate change and population dynamics will further harm children's health, especially in low- to middle-income nations.

🌙 Night owl? Catch the event live by Population Mattersring below!
🎥 Prefer a replay? Sign up anyway, and you’ll get access to the recording.
📝 Register here: https://populationmatters.org/civicrm/event/register/?reset=1&id=40

27/03/2025

Congratulations to Dr Katherine Landwehr and Dr Pamela Laird! 👏🏼

It’s great to see Wal-yan’s research celebrated Australia-wide and have our team’s innovative research recognised.

Read the full article here: https://www.thekids.org.au/news--events/news-and-events-nav/2025/march/top-researchers-recognised-for-respiratory-researc/

A huge congratulations to Dr Katherine Landwehr and Dr Pamela Laird from The Kids Research Institute Australia and Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre for receiving significant awards at the TSANZSRS Annual Scientific Meeting in Adelaide! 👏

🔬 Dr Katherine Landwehr was awarded the Maurice Blackburn Grant-in-Aid for Early to Mid-Career Researchers in Occupational Lung Disease ($50,000) to advance her research into the effects of biodiesel emissions on lung health.

🏥 Dr Pamela Laird received two prestigious awards totalling $32,500:

✅ The Robert Pierce Grant-In-Aid for Indigenous Lung Health, supporting research to improve lung health outcomes for Indigenous communities.
✅ The Chiesi Advancing Women in Respiratory Health Award, recognising and empowering women in STEMM.

Their groundbreaking research is shaping the future of respiratory health! 🌏💙

Read more 🔗: https://www.thekids.org.au/news--events/news-and-events-nav/2025/march/top-researchers-recognised-for-respiratory-researc/

The Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre is a powerhouse partnership between The Kids Research Institute Australia, Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation, and Perth Children’s Hospital.

21/03/2025

🔵 SEEKING EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST 🔵

In May and June, we’re holding four conversations with community and consumers in the Perth metro area, and online for those living regionally to find out what research areas are most important to you regarding kids' lung health.

All attendees will be reimbursed $100 for their time and refreshments will be provided.

No preparation is needed - just bring your thoughts! We’d love for you to simply reflect on the questions featured on the links below and to share your insights during our consultation.

Register below:

• Adults with Children Affected by Lung Disease: In-Person Community Conversation - https://walyanrespiratory.thekids.org.au/news-and-events/2025/future-research-focus-areas-in-kids-lung-health/ -children-in-person

• Young Adults Affected by Lung Disease: In-Person Community Conversation - https://walyanrespiratory.thekids.org.au/news-and-events/2025/future-research-focus-areas-in-kids-lung-health/ -children-in-person

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Adults: In-person Community Conversation - https://walyanrespiratory.thekids.org.au/news-and-events/2025/future-research-focus-areas-in-kids-lung-health/ -torres-strait-islander-adults

• Adults with Children Affected by Lung Disease Who Live Rurally: Online Community Conversation - https://walyanrespiratory.thekids.org.au/news-and-events/2025/future-research-focus-areas-in-kids-lung-health/ -children-online

You play a vital role in determining Wal-yan’s research priorities in kids’ lung health over the next 10 years.