Woolcock Institute of Medical Research

04/12/2025

Congratulations to Dr Emma Stumbles MBBS, FRACP who graduated on Wednesday at the University of Sydney’s Great Hall.

Emma undertook her Master of Philosophy (Sydney Medical School) titled “Age related changes in sleep quantitative EEG brain activity and longitudinal relationship to cognitive function” in the Sleep and Circadian Research Group at the Woolcock Institute under the supervision of Professor Brendon Yee and Associate Professor Angela D’Rozario.

02/12/2025

New research from our Respiratory Cellular and Molecular Biology group provides hope for a low-cost preventative treatment to a global health issue. The study, published in Environment International, found that vitamin C may have the potential to protect people against lung disease caused by traffic-related air pollution, bushfires and dust storms. Read more:
https://www.woolcock.org.au/news/vit-c-and-air-pollution

Researchers have found that vitamin C may have the potential to protect people against lung disease caused by traffic-related air pollution, bushfires and dust storms.

30/11/2025

Thunderstorm asthma burst into the public consciousness almost a decade ago - with good reason. Although large-scale events are rare, the environmental conditions that drive them may be increasing. What can you do to protect your respiratory health?
Read more: https://www.woolcock.org.au/news/thunderstorm-asthma

28/11/2025

Our Collaboration Space was a hive of activity yesterday for our Research Symposium. More than 80 people were in attendance as our brightest young minds shared their current research.

There were 15 research presentations, a poster blitz, clinicians' experiences session, consumer panel and plenty of networking opportunities.

It was a celebration of the Woolcock's current, continuing and future contribution to research which helps people sleep and breathe more easily.

27/11/2025

As the year winds down and the weather heats up, routines go out the window and regular sleep can easily slip away. Follow our expert tips to keep your sleep on track during the silly season: https://www.woolcock.org.au/news/silly-season-sleep

As the end-of-year approaches and life gets busy, an expert's tips on managing your sleep when routines go out the window.

25/11/2025

Woolcock Research Leader and UTS Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) Distinguished Professor Alaina Ammit knows the value of collaboration and of mentors. She invited Professor Emerita Armour (Executive Director of the Woolcock 2012-2024) to give the occasional address at a recent UTS Faculty of Science graduation. The Woolcock and UTS have a long-standing and highly-valued research partnership and Carol has been a mentor to Alaina for more than 30 years.

23/11/2025

Does children's asthma care need an update? Airway Physiology and Imaging Research Leader Professor Paul Robinson spoke to ABC Radio National's Health Report following a major NZ study published in the Lancet which suggests children should be swapped over to a combined inhaler to reduce asthma attacks. Listen here: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/healthreport/asthma-kids-childhood-puffer/105973398

20/11/2025

Thunderstorm asthma burst into the p***c consciousness almost a decade ago - with good reason. Although large-scale events are rare, the environmental conditions that drive them may be increasing. What can you do to protect your respiratory health?
Read more: https://www.woolcock.org.au/news/thunderstorm-asthma

As our climate changes, bringing with it longer pollen seasons, higher pollen loads, will large-scale thunderstorm asthma events become more common? What can you do to manage your respiratory health if you have asthma or COPD.

20/11/2025

Congratulations to Associate Professor Kamal Dua, Research Leader in our Respiratory Cellular and Molecular Biology group on being ranked the nation's No. 1 researcher in the field of Pharmacology and Pharmacy under the Health and Medical Sciences discipline. The recognition came in The Australian Research Magazine's list of Australia’s Top 250 Researchers for 2026, published on 19 November. Read more about Kamal's work: https://www.woolcock.org.au/our-people/associate-professor-kamal-dua

Kamal Dua - Woolcock Institute People - improving respiratory and sleep health through world-class research, clinical care and education.

19/11/2025

Asbestos found in coloured sand products sold at major retailers has many parents concerned about the risks to their children's health. The Woolcock's Respiratory Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Leader, Distinguished Professor Brian Oliver offered his advice to parents in the Canberra Times. Read more: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/9112356/asbestos-warning-causes-act-schools-to-close-whats-the-risk-to-kids/

Here's what you need to know, and how to get rid of contaminants.

13/11/2025

It's less than a week until our final Sleep Talk for 2025 on Thursday 20 November. Join Professor Bandana Saini, Australia’s leading pharmacy researcher in respiratory and sleep health, as she unpacks the complex relationship between sleeping pills and sleep quality. Book your place now for What Do Sleeping Pills Do To Your Sleep?: https://event.mq.edu.au/sleep.../registration/Site/Register

13/11/2025

Welcome to our Woolcock New-Starters.
Yesterday we held our inaugural Welcome to Woolcock morning tea for our new starters to meet each other and also our management team. Thank you for choosing us and we hope you enjoy your Woolcock journey.