Chief Investigators
A/Prof Robyn Marsh – Menzies School of Health Research, NT
A/Prof Michael Binks – Menzies School of Health Research, NT
A/Prof Kathryn Ramsey – The Kids Institute, WA
Prof Simon Phipps – QIMR Berghofer, Qld
Prof Stephanie Yerkovich - QUT, Qld
Dr John Atack - Griffith University, Qld
Prof André Schultz – University of Western Australia, WA
Prof Tony Parker – QUT, Qld
Prof Phil Hugenholtz – University of Queensland, Qld
Prof Anne Chang – Menzies School of Health Research, NT
Associate investigators
Dr Ruth Thornton – University of Western Australia, WA
Dr Seweryn Bialasiewicz – University of Queensland, Qld
A/Prof Jane Hill – University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
A/Prof Paul Licciardi – Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Vic
A/Prof Stephen Tristram – University of Tasmania, Tas
Prof Julie Marchant – Queensland University of Technology, Qld
Dr Danielle Wurzel – University of Melbourne, Vic
Mrs Lesley Versteegh – Menzies School of Health Research, NT
Prof Peter Morris – Menzies School of Health Research, NT
Dr Hannah O’Farrell – Queensland University of Technology, Qld
This Centre of Research Excellence in Childhood Lung Disease aims to understand why some children develop bronchiectasis (a severe lung disease). We are working to develop new ways to prevent and treat this disease which can affect children across their whole life and reduce their life expectancy. Our team of scientists work together with world-leading paediatric respiratory doctors to fast-track the discovery of new treatments and tests. Our long-term goal is to use these to achieve better health outcomes for children.
Background:
Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung disease characterised by persistent wet (productive) cough and abnormal widening of the airways. Children with bronchiectasis experience recurrent flare-ups (called exacerbations) that can cause ongoing tissue damage and loss of lung function. This condition can affect children from all backgrounds, with high rates reported among First Nations children.
Discovery of new preventive and therapeutic interventions for paediatric bronchiectasis is an internationally recognised research priority. However, achieving such interventions requires increased knowledge of the biological drivers of disease onset and progression. In recent years, substantial advances in understanding the drivers of adult bronchiectasis have translated into a new anti-inflammatory medication for adult disease. Comparable advances have yet to be made in child BE which is substantially under-researched compared to adult BE and other respiratory diseases.
Research Focus:
Our CRE’s vision is to reduce the bronchiecatsis burden in children. We aim to translate understanding of the biological drivers of bronchiectasis and its antecedent conditions into novel preventive, therapeutic and diagnostic applications. In the long-term, our research will help to shift the current clinical paradigm (late diagnosis and reliance on prolonged empiric antibiotic therapy) to a focus on disease prevention, early diagnosis, and treatable traits-based care that cures the disease.
Contact:
A/Prof Robyn Marsh, CRE Lead Investigator
Robyn.Marsh@menzies.edu.au