Woolcock Institute of Medical Research

17/03/2026

Last chance to register for our first Sleep Talk of 2026. Tomorrow lunchtime at Macquarie University, Dr Amelia Scott will be talking about Sleep and Pain: Understanding the Connection. You can register now for one, many or all the talks in the series: https://event.mq.edu.au/sleep-talks/registration/Site/Register

15/03/2026

Recent findings from clinical trials of weight loss medications are changing the way we look at sleep and metabolic health. We're now recruiting for new trials targeting obesity and sleep apnea together. What to know more? https://www.woolcock.org.au/news/weight-loss-studies

Recent studies have underscored the link between sleep and metabolic health. We're now recruiting for further clinical trials to determine whether weight loss drugs can improve OSA symptoms, promote sustained weight loss, and enhance quality of life compared to placebo.

12/03/2026

As autumn begins and the weather starts to cool, asthma symptoms can worsen. Now is the time to get ahead of your asthma, making sure management is optimised so that you can breathe easily. Read more: https://www.woolcock.org.au/news/getting-ahead-of-asthma

As autumn begins, many people with asthma experience a predictable worsening of symptoms. This is a critical window for prevention and ensuring management is optimised.

10/03/2026

Chronic pain and poor sleep are two of the world's most common and challenging health concerns — and they are closely intertwined. In the first event of our 2026 Sleep Talks series, Dr Amelia Scott will explore the powerful, bidirectional relationship between sleep and pain and what that means for treatment and recovery. Read more: https://www.woolcock.org.au/news/sleep-and-pain

In the first event of our Sleep Talks 2026 series, Dr Amelia Scott will outline what we know about the links between sleep and pain.

04/03/2026

There's more to s*x than meets the eye with a new study suggesting long-observed s*x differences in respiratory health may be affected by differences in lung biology itself. "Biological s*x fundamentally shapes how the lungs function, even under healthy, non-diseased conditions,” said lead author Dr Razia Zakarya. Read more: https://www.woolcock.org.au/news/more-to-s*x

Differences in lung biology between the s*xes may explain respiratory disease rates with new research showing male lungs are intrinsically more reactive to inhaled triggers than female lungs.

02/03/2026

Sleep Talks are back for 2026. We'll be sharing the latest research on everything from the sleeping brain to jet lag and how stress, pain and weight loss affect sleep. We'll kick off with Dr Amelia Scott talking about Sleep and Pain: Understanding the Connection on Thursday 19 March. You can register now for one, many or all the talks in the series: https://event.mq.edu.au/sleep-talks/registration/Site/Register

We are excited to be back for the 2026 Sleep Talks series presented by the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research and Macquarie University.

26/02/2026

The Woolcock Clinic's new Medical Director Dr Donald Lee has relied on the Woolcock’s cutting-edge research to guide patient care. He aims to make that more visible and accessible, fostering connection between research and practice, disciplines and with the wider community. Read more: https://www.woolcock.org.au/news/fostering-connections

The Woolcock's Clinic's new Medical Director Dr Donald Lee is focussed on connection: between research and practice, between disciplines and between the Woolcock and the community of patients and clinicians it serves.

22/02/2026

Does pink noise help you sleep better? New research suggests that it may actually reduce the time spent in critical sleep stages. Read more: https://www.woolcock.org.au/news/pink-noise

New research suggests that it may actually reduce the time spent in critical sleep stages.

19/02/2026

Join us at the Woolcock on Thursday 26 March to hear from the experts about the latest research on the diagnosis and management of insomnia. Register now to secure your spot.

17/02/2026

Sleeping more but waking up tired? Woolcock sleep researcher Dr Christopher Gordon explained more about the struggle for sleep quality to YourLifeChoices journalist Abegail Abrugar. Read more: https://www.yourlifechoices.com.au/health/sleeping-more-but-still-exhausted-heres-what-new-data-reveals/

Why are we still waking up tired? Image Source: feelartfeelant / Shutterstock

16/02/2026

On the eve of the Lunar New Year, the Woolcock wish that the Year of the Horse brings strong lungs, deep sleep and steady momentum for all. Read more: https://www.woolcock.org.au/news/lunar-new-year

May the Year of the Horse bring you strong lungs, deep sleep and steady momentum..

11/02/2026

On Friday 20 February, the Woolcock is hosting Understanding Therapeutic Potential Through Pulmonary and Nasal Drug Delivery, a coming-together of research scientists, innovators, decision-makers and industry players to share advances in respiratory technology and foster partnership. Read more about how respiratory technology bridges technology and treatment: https://www.woolcock.org.au/news/nasal-delivery

Respiratory technology sits at the intersection of pharmacology, biomedical science, engineering and clinical medicine, with the goal of ensuring the right drug reaches the right part of the respiratory system at the right dose and time.