Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre

19/06/2026

For decades, a bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) diagnosis has been the main marker for respiratory risk after very preterm birth.

New research from the Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre shows this marker misses many at-risk survivors, and points to a more accurate set of warning signs.

Following 116 people born at or before 32 weeks' gestation into young adulthood, the team found three factors that more reliably flag who may be on a path toward declining lung function:
🫁 Lower lung function in early childhood
🫁 An asthma diagnosis
🫁 Structural abnormalities on CT imaging

Together these give clinicians a better way to spot who needs closer monitoring and act early when needed.

Read more: https://walyanrespiratory.thekids.org.au/news-and-events/2026/new-research-gives-clinicians-better-tools/

22/05/2026

Have you experienced second-hand to***co smoke entering your home?

Cancer Council Western Australia and The University of Queensland are interested to hear about your experiences and views. This study aims to explore experiences of second-hand to***co smoke exposure in homes. This study also aims to identify ways to reduce the impact of second-hand smoke exposure.

Eligible participants will receive a $30 physical gift card to acknowledge their time.

Learn more below👇

22/05/2026

Our Phage WA team headed to Kalgoorlie this week for The Kids Research Institute Australia STEM Festival, where budding scientists got hands-on making their own bacteriophages! 🧫

Bacteriophages are viruses that naturally occur in soil and water. They are at the heart of Phage WA's work to develop new treatments for antibiotic-resistant infections. Associate Professor Anthony Kicic and his team are working alongside local Aboriginal communities to find naturally occurring phages right here in WA.

It was a fantastic opportunity to bring this research to young people in the Goldfields and show them that the next big discovery could come from their own backyard. 🌱

Learn more: https://www.thekids.org.au/news--events/news-and-events-nav/2026/may/antibiotic-resistant-superbugs-fight/

19/05/2026

Treatment for cystic fibrosis is changing, and our researchers at the Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre are closely tracking what that means for children in real-world settings.

The TIME-CF study at Perth Children's Hospital and Health Service is following young children with cystic fibrosis who are now receiving CFTR modulator therapies from as early as age two.

Early data shows:

✨ A significant reduction in abnormal lung function in preschool children compared to the pre-modulator era (now ~25% vs 60–70% previously)
✨ Many children are maintaining stronger day-to-day respiratory health
✨ Ongoing investigation into why outcomes differ between children, even within the same family

Researchers are also working to understand how early treatment shapes long-term lung health and quality of life.

For decades, cystic fibrosis (CF) meant a life shaped by daily treatments, frequent hospitalisations, and an uncertain future. The arrival of CFTR modulators has changed that picture dramatically, and researchers at the Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre now want to understand the bigger picture.

05/05/2026

For most people, a shower is a daily ritual they barely notice. For families living with cystic fibrosis, it can be a source of constant anxiety.

Dr Kak-Ming Ling, a Wal-yan Respiratory researcher at The Kids Research Institute Australia is working to change that.

Her research into household water systems and airborne bacteria recently received a $25,000 Illuminate Award, supported by Conquer Cystic Fibrosis, at The Kids Illuminate PitchFest.

Read more about Dr Ling's project: https://walyanrespiratory.thekids.org.au/news-and-events/2026/making-home-safer-for-kids-with-cystic-fibrosis/

28/04/2026

One in four children born preterm will be hospitalised with a respiratory infection.

The more severe infections they experience, the greater their risk of lasting lung damage.

Dr Denby Evans from the Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre is working to understand why, and how to help.

Her research into the immune response of preterm children recently received a $25,000 Illuminate Award, supported by Helping Little Hands, at Kids Research Institute Australia Illuminate PitchFest.

Read more about Dr Evans' project: https://walyanrespiratory.thekids.org.au/news-and-events/2026/protecting-little-lungs-for-a-lifetime/

24/04/2026

Our researchers were out in force at this year's TSANZ - Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand Annual Scientific Meeting in Perth, contributing to 45+ presentations and roles across 25 sessions, from plenaries and symposia to debates and workshops.

It was a successful meeting for the Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre, with a string of award wins across the program as well.

Read more: https://walyanrespiratory.thekids.org.au/news-and-events/2026/respiratory-centre-takes-TSANZSRS/