Search

Research

Convenient, readily available and helping create a close and loving bond between baby and mother, breastfeeding is highly regarded for optimising infant health and preventing chronic disease in adulthood.

The Ngulluk Koolunga Ngulluk Koort (Our Children, Our Heart) Project grew out of a bold vision to harness the wisdom of Aboriginal Elders to improve outcomes for Aboriginal children, producing a suite of Elder-led, culturally appropriate and empowering initiatives that are making a difference.

Two international trials led by The Kids Research Institute Australia’s Neonatal and Infection Immunity Team are tackling the urgent need for simple and safe interventions that can help prevent the adverse long-term effects of infections in extremely preterm babies.

An international clinical trial led by The Kids Research Institute Australia Cancer Centre is trialling a drug which could increase cure rates for aggressive forms of childhood brain cancer.

The ORIGINS Project, a collaboration between The Kids and Joondalup Health Campus, is collecting data and biological samples from 10,000 families over 10 years. Its work is also giving participating families a valuable heads up on health issues.

Strong advocacy efforts have paid off with health and food safety ministers from around Australia and New Zealand finally approving the recommended version of a warning label designed to highlight the potential risks of alcohol during pregnancy.

Research

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed childhood mental health disorder, affecting about 1 in 20 children. It can impact their behaviour, learning and social skills.

Research

One in eight children have asthma, a chronic disease of the airways in the lungs. It results in shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing and coughing.

Research

Bronchiolitis is a respiratory infection, usually occurring in babies under six months of age. It causes them to wheeze and can lead to pneumonia. Researchers are focusing on vaccines against the virus which commonly causes it.

Research

Developmental Coordination Disorder is a lifelong disability impacting most aspects of daily living that involve movement. With an estimated prevalence of ~5% of children, the disorder affects an average of one to two children in every Australian classroom.