The Foundations of Lung Disease team aims to help all kids breathe better, from infancy through to early adult life.
Our research focuses on three broad areas:
Examining childhood lung disease
The team seeks to gain a greater understanding of a variety of lung diseases including asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic lung disease of prematurity and neuromuscular diseases. We are also interested in the impact of inflammation and infection on lung function. Research in this area involves determining the most appropriate methods to assess lung function depending on disease type and age of the child. We are also interested in the detection of sensitive biological markers to identify and prevent the progression of lung disease.
Tracking lung growth and development from infancy to early adulthood
By tracking lung health from birth through childhood, adolescence and early adulthood, the team aims to maximise opportunities to prevent the development and/or improve the management of chronic lung diseases later in life. This involves examining the impact of neonatal factors, low lung function and respiratory symptoms on long-term respiratory outcomes.
Research Translation
Central to the team’s research is expanding the evidence base for international guidelines to improve the clinical management of childhood respiratory diseases. The team fosters local, national, and international collaborations to ensure the most relevant research questions are being asked and the community are actively engaged in research activities. This helps facilitate rapid and effective implementation of research outcomes.
If you would like to stay up to date with our team projects, follow us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/WalyanCentre/
Prematurity Associated Lung Disease: What does primary care need to know
Watch this webinar exploring prematurity-associated lung disease across the lifespan, with a focus on holistic care, long-term impacts, and practical strategies to support patients and families—from infancy to adulthood. Learn about risk factors, management, and the latest resources to inform your practice. Hear from experts in the field and parents with lived experience.
Learning outcomes
Understand the lifelong impact of prematurity on the lungs.
Identify appropriate pathways and resources for management of patients with prematurity associated lung disease.
Apply new knowledge in clinical practice.
This virtual event is accredited with Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP- Activity ID 125148) for one hour of Educational Activity. This education has been approved as a Lung Learning Quality-Assured Activity.
For a certificate of attendance please complete the feedback survey.
Featured Projects
FINGERPRINT: FINdinG Early markers of Respiratory disease for survivors of PReterm birth which IdeNtify Treatable traits
This research project will investigate the traits of preterm lung disease, looking into the long-term lung health of children born preterm, aiming to identify traits that could help guide better treatments in the future.
Western Australia Paediatric Bronchiectasis Cohort
Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung disease that impairs quality of life and reduces life expectancy.
PELICAN: Prematurity’s Effects on the Lungs in Children and Adults Network
The PELICAN (Prematurity’s Effects on the Lungs in Children and Adults Network) Clinical Research Collaboration was launched by the European Respiratory Society (ERS) in 2020
Team leader

BMedSci (hons), PhD

BSc (Hons), PhD
Co-Head, Foundations of Lung Disease
Team members (26)

BSc (hons)

BSc (Hons) PhD
Clinical Research Coordinator

PhD, MSc, BSc

BSc (Hons), PhD Candidate

MHlthSc, BBiomedSci
Amber Bates
Consumer Representative
Andrew Wilson
Honorary Research Associate
April Htun
Research Assistant
Callan Lavery
Biostatistician
Cavern Jacobs
PhD candidate
Craig Schofield
PhD candidate
Denby Evans
Research Assistant and PhD Student
Faith Mhembere
PhD candidate
Graham Hall
Honorary Research Associate
Hannah L Moore
PhD candidate
Dr James Gibbons
Respiratory Fellow (PCH) and PhD Student
Kitty Obando
Research Assistant
Michael Beaven
PhD Student
Naomi Chapman
Research Officer
Neave Garland
Research Assistant
Patricia Belinelo
Research Officer
Rachel Foong
Honorary Research Associate
Rebecca Watkinson
Research Officer
Tabitha Cleary
Research Assistant
Tiffany Bradshaw
Research Assistant
Featured projects
PELICAN: Prematurity’s Effects on the Lungs in Children and Adults Network
The PELICAN (Prematurity’s Effects on the Lungs in Children and Adults Network) Clinical Research Collaboration was launched by the European Respiratory Society (ERS) in 2020
The next generation of impact in cystic fibrosis
Lung damage in children with CF occurs much earlier than previously thought, and proving this is related to the decline that occurs later will create new paradigms for prevention and treatment.