Our research

The Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre conducts research into a wide range of childhood respiratory disease areas, with a clear focus on:

• Asthma
• Cystic fibrosis
• Indigenous respiratory health issues
• Environmental factors affecting lung health
• Respiratory consequences of preterm birth
• Normal developmental trajectories of respiratory function and the immune system

Thanks to our world-class research platforms and international networks, we are equipped to respond in an agile fashion to emergent global issues affecting lung health — such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Read more about the BRACE trial.

In addition, we have groups studying allergy and infection, immunological defence, regenerative medicine, and rare paediatric conditions that affect respiratory health - such as neuromuscular dystrophy, and genetic disorders of surfactant metabolism.

We also have clinical teams that research sleep medicine and the psychosocial outcomes of respiratory complications.

Consumer and community involvement is critical in shaping our research. Each of the research areas has its own Consumer Reference Group and our consumer representatives are integral members of the Centre's Scientific Steering Committee.

Find out more about becoming a consumer voice that guides respiratory research.

Telethon Kids CONNECT honours the many ways our community supports us to make our research great and achieve our vision of happy healthy kids.

There’s a lot to be proud of and celebrate – our community plays an important role in what we do, how we do it, and what we achieve.