Celebrating 50 Years
of improving the health and wellbeing of women and babies
From our CEO and Chief Scientist
Improving lives, one discovery at a time
For 50 years, the Women and Infants Research Foundation (WIRF) has driven groundbreaking research and transformative programs that save lives and improve health outcomes for women, babies, and families. Our legacy is built on innovative science, meaningful partnerships, and research that makes a real difference.
This milestone anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate five decades of discovery, education, and impact with our key partners, stakeholders, supporters, and the wider community – all of whom have played an essential role in WIRF’s journey.
WIRF was born of a vision to understand and improve the difficult and complex health problems faced by mothers, babies, and the women of Western Australia.
In the mid-1970s, the vision to establish a dedicated health research centre at King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH) gained strong momentum. While research had long been recognised as one of KEMH’s key roles, the Board of Management’s decision to create a standalone research hub demonstrated a bold commitment to tackling the root causes of poor health.
With the support of KEMH, the Channel 7 Telethon Trust, and The University of Western Australia, WIRF – originally the King Edward Memorial Hospital Research Foundation – officially opened its doors in December 1975.
Since then, WIRF has grown from a small hospital-based research foundation into a nationally recognised leader in women’s and infant health.
Over the past five decades, WIRF research gained international recognition for excellence in discovery and public health achievement. From reducing preterm births to advancing clinical care, driving policy change, and building research capacity, our work continues to benefit families across Australia and around the world.
In more recent years, WIRF has broadened its research to address critical gaps in women’s, maternal, and family health. This includes women’s cancers and endometriosis – conditions that affect millions globally and are often diagnosed late – as well as First Nations health, and maternal and paternal mental wellbeing. By expanding its focus, WIRF is building a more inclusive, responsive, and evidence-driven approach that meets the needs of our communities.
We are proud that our track record demonstrates how a small, focused organisation can deliver high-impact discoveries and turn them into real-world healthcare improvements – saving lives, improving outcomes, and reducing long-term healthcare costs.
WIRF’s legacy is a testament to the power of agile science, strategic collaboration, and relentless focus. Our resolve to improve the health of women, babies, and families remains as strong as ever, and together, we will shape the next chapters of the WIRF story, advancing health outcomes for generations to come.
Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Your support has enabled us to make groundbreaking improvements in health – both in Australia and beyond – transforming lives for generations.
We hope you feel as proud as we do about what you are helping us to achieve.
Deb Portughes OAM
Chief Executive Officer
Professor Matt Kemp
Chief Scientist
Our journey of breakthroughs
For the last 50 years, the Women and Infants Research Foundation has conducted and supported research to improve the health of women, babies and families.
Explore the milestones that have shaped health outcomes across Australia and beyond.
WIRF officially opens its doors.
The Women and Infants Research Foundation (formerly the King Edward Memorial Hospital Research Foundation) officially opens its doors, with the support of KEMH, the Channel 7 Telethon Trust, and The University of Western Australia.
A brave new venture.
The new cooperative would appoint Governor of WA, Air Chief Marshall Sir Wallace Hart Kyle as its first patron with early focus on the development of a generation of future researchers.
First computer to support medical research purchased.
WIRF acquires its first computer to support medical research, purchasing Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry computing equipment to advance research into prenatal diagnosis of heritable metabolic diseases. Funded through the T.V.W. Channel 7 (Telethon appeal), The University of Western Australia, and WIRF’s Research and Special Purposes Fund, the equipment is imported
from West Germany and marks a significant step forward in the Foundation’s research capability.
Perinatal sheep program begins.
Perinatal sheep program is launched in Perth which uses sheep as a model of human pregnancy and the newborn. Many important discoveries have come from these studies.
Raine Study commences.
The Western Australian Pregnancy (Raine) Cohort Study, one of the world’s largest and most successful longitudinal pregnancy cohorts, commences with the recruitment of 2900 pregnant women.
Inaugural Executive Director appointed.
Professor John Newnham is appointed as the Foundation’s inaugural Executive Director.
The Foundation changes its name to the Women and Infants Research Foundation.
Originally called the King Edward Memorial Hospital Research Foundation, the new name of Women and Infants Research Foundation is adopted.
The Breastfeeding Centre of Western Australia opens.
Based at King Edward Memorial Hospital, the Centre provides state-of-the-art assistance for mothers who experience difficulties with breastfeeding.
The Rising Stars Symposium is initiated.
WIRF initiates the Rising Stars Symposium to showcase its young investigators and to celebrate the research vigour on the campus.
The Lotteries Commission Perinatal Research Laboratories open at The University of Western Australia.
This state-of-the-art research facility transforms many of the scientific endeavours conducted by WIRF researchers and helps to strengthen important international and national collaborations.
WIRF Cafe and Gift Shop is commissioned.
The Metropolitan Health Service Board and administration of King Edward Memorial Hospital grant WIRF the lease at a peppercorn rent to operate the Foundation’s café and gift shop, not only bringing financial security to the Foundation’s research base but also forming a bridge linking women’s healthcare and reproduction with the community.
The Forrest fellowships in maternal fetal medicine, and fetal science are established.
Andrew and Nicola Forrest support two fellowships over five years, which the Foundation names the Forrest Fellow in Fetal Medicine and the Forrest Fellow in Fetal Science. The inaugural Forrest Fellows are Dr Craig Pennell and Dr Deborah Sloboda.
WIRF/UWA Laboratories are re-commissioned.
This important facility closed in 1998. Much of the equipment in the laboratories is provided by donations from the Lions Club of Western Australia. The laboratories provide the Foundation with new areas of research and core measurements to underpin many established areas of investigation.
The Perron Rotary Express Milk Bank (PREM Bank) at King Edward Memorial Hospital is established.
The PREM Bank is Australia’s first contemporary human milk bank. PREM Bank collects excess breast milk from healthy screened donors and processes it to ensure it is safe before making it available to infants in need, and assists preterm mothers who may initially struggle to provide enough milk for their baby after delivering prematurely. Its establishment is made possible thanks to the Rotary Clubs of Belmont and Thornlie, Channel 7 Telethon Trust, The Stan Perron Charitable Trust and WIRF.
WIRF partners with DOHaD.
WIRF becomes the official partner of the International DOHaD (Developmental Origins of Health and Disease) Society in holding the 5th World Congress.
WIRF researchers become involved in the World Health Organisation Preterm Birth Genetic Initiative.
This global initiative aims to unravel the genetic basis of preterm birth. Over the coming year, 2500 DNA samples from Canada, Mexico, Denmark, Korea, and Australia will be analysed in Perth through WIRF and local partners.
Blood test to identify women at risk of preterm birth.
A research consortium involving WIRF researchers develop a blood test that can indicate if a woman showing early signs of labour will go on to deliver her baby prematurely.
Testing of promising new drug to prevent infection-related preterm birth.
New research shows that the novel antibiotic solithromycin can cross the placenta and treat infection in preclinical models, highlighting its potential as a future therapy to help prevent infection-related preterm birth.
Preterm Birth Prevention Initiative unveiled.
On World Prematurity Day 2014, WIRF launches the world-unique Western Australian Preterm Birth Initiative which has the sole aim of safely lowering the rate of early birth, saving lives, and preventing disability.
Inaugural Banquet for Babies.
The inaugural Banquet for Babies is held at Frasers State Reception Centre and attended by more than 180 people from the health and business community.
Research achieves 8% reduction in rate of preterm birth.
Findings from the first year of the preterm birth prevention initiative reveal an 8% reduction (200 fewer) in the rate of preterm birth across WA from 2013-15.
Cycle study recognised as a Report of Major Impact.
A research collaboration into the effects of exercise on gestational diabetes, involving several WA researchers, is recognised as a ‘Report of Major Impact’ by the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
Preterm initiative recognised as a Report of Major Impact.
The WA Preterm Birth Prevention Initiative is recognised as a ‘Report of Major Impact’ by the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
Artificial womb raises hope for premature babies.
A collaborative WIRF research project successfully uses artificial womb technology to incubate healthy baby lambs for a period of one week.
Amy and Mike Hussey become inaugural ambassadors of WIRF.
WIRF proudly announces Amy and Mike Hussey as its inaugural ambassadors, championing the Foundation’s mission to improve maternal and infant health. Having experienced the challenges of preterm birth firsthand, Amy and Mike are strong
advocates for raising awareness and supporting vital research.
Landmark WA cancer gene hunt launched.
A world-first program which will retrospectively study women diagnosed with ovarian cancer, TRACEBACK, is launched and includes key investigators from WIRF.
Study optimises steroid use in pregnancy.
A new WIRF study reveals it is possible to achieve maturation of the preterm lung equivalent to that given by current treatments using approximately 70% less drug, and with it, significantly reducing potential adverse effects to both mother and child.
Stan Perron funding enables new era for WIRF.
Substantial funding over a four-year period provided by the Stan Perron Charitable Trust is set to greatly improve the outlook for women and infants across the country and includes the establishment of a new Fellowship in honour of the late Mr Stan Perron AM.
A national approach to preventing preterm birth.
The Australian Preterm Birth Prevention Alliance is unveiled by the WA Health Minister, Roger Cook, and adopts the key practice points of WIRF’s Preterm Birth Prevention Initiative.
The importance of Women’s Mental Health.
WIRF unveils its newest area of research focus – Women’s Mental Health – to be spearheaded by leading Perinatal Psychiatrist, Professor Megan Galbally.
WIRF takes the national media stage.
A new WIRF study examining the link between a woman’s bacterial signature and preterm birth is featured on Seven’s Sunrise as a major medical breakthrough in preterm birth prevention and attracts national media attention.
WA gathers for WIRF Spring Gala 2018.
More than 310 people attend the 2018 WIRF Spring Gala-Banquet for Babies held at Fraser’s State Reception Centre, raising an astounding $139,000 for women’s and infants’ health.
Artificial womb program achieves top rating.
A WIRF program which proposes an artificial womb as a pioneering medical intervention to save extremely premature babies, does what few other projects ever have – achieving a perfect score by the key driver of health and medical research in Australia, the NHMRC.
Artificial womb breaks its 4 minute mile.
A major advancement in pioneering technology based around the use of an artificial womb to save extremely premature babies is hailed as a medical and biotechnological breakthrough and a significant milestone in the future clinical application of this technology.
2019 Spring Gala stuns and inspires.
An incredible line up of guests descended onto Fraser’s State Reception Centre for the 2019 WIRF Spring Gala at which an astounding $182,000 was raised to support the Foundation’s critical work.
Steroid study reveals breakthrough finding.
WIRF’s steroid optimisation program achieves a major breakthrough – determining that a single low dose of steroid should be sufficient for women delivering within two days of treatment.
2020 Senior Western Australian of the Year.
In recognition of a life dedicated to saving and improving the lives of women, infants and families, Professor John Newnham, is named the 2020 Senior Western Australian of the Year.
National award for premature birth expert.
In recognition of his pioneering approach and impact on the field of preterm birth prevention, Professor John Newnham AM, is named the 2020 Senior Australian of the Year.
Alliance launches in SA.
The South Australian chapter of the Australian Preterm Birth Prevention Alliance is successfully launched and is poised to benefit the 20,000 babies that are born in the state each year.
WIRF powers ACT’s premmie decline.
Rates of early birth in Canberra fall by 10% and it’s credited to WIRF’s pioneering Whole Nine Months program to prevent preterm birth and its far-reaching impacts.
Linking bacterial signatures with preterm birth.
A study examining the link between a woman’s bacterial signature and preterm birth is heralded as a breakthrough. The Predict1000 Study has identified a DNA signature that identifies pregnant women who are at increased risk of preterm birth.
Fourth Australian Atlas of Healthcare Variation.
Prof John Newnham AM has made a contribution to the Fourth Australian Atlas of Healthcare Variation. The report has identified areas for healthcare improvement across six key clinical topics including early planned births.
Study brings comfort for IVF families.
A landmark WIRF study of WA teenagers born via IVF has found their genetic health profile years later is just as good as their naturally conceived peers.
Major Federal funding announcement.
WIRF is awarded $13.7 million in Federal Government funding to bolster the National Preterm Birth Prevention Program and its roll out across Australia.
Inaugural Chief Executive Officer appointed.
Deb Portughes is appointed as WIRF’s Chief Executive Officer, having served as the Chief Operations Director since 2016 and strengthening WIRF’s financial position, ensuring the sustainability of its vital research work and support programs.
Dr Sean Carter awarded John Monash Scholarship.
As one of WA’s most promising early career researchers, Dr Carter is awarded a John Monash Scholarship for his research into the management of preterm birth using new technology.
New Chief Scientist appointed.
Professor Matt Kemp is appointed as WIRF’s Chief Scientist. A perinatal investigator focused on improving outcomes for preterm infants, Professor Kemp holds PhDs in Medicine and Education and completed postdoctoral training at Oxford University. To date he has published some 180 papers, and secured over $20 million in funding from state, national and international agencies including the NIH (USA), NHMRC (AU), NMRC (Singapore), and Wellcome Leap (USA). Since 2023 he has been named among the World’s Top 2% Most Widely Cited Scientists.
Stockbrokers ring in $400,000 for WA charities.
Perth firm Euroz Hartleys raises $400,000 for WIRF and three other deserving WA-based charities during its fourth annual Commission for a Cause Day, where brokers donate fees from a full trading day to charity.
Landmark study optimises steroid use in pregnancy.
A ground-breaking research program aiming to optimise steroid use in pregnancy has generated important preclinical data showing how the World Health Organization’s gold-standard antenatal steroid treatment regime for preterm infants may be improved.
Gala raises $212,000.
More than 220 guests attend the 2022 WIRF Gala at which an astounding $202,000 is raised to support WIRF’s critical work to improve the health of all Western Australian women, mothers, and babies.
Connecting generations through Lyfe Languages.
WIRF announces significant funding for the Lyfe Languages initiative to assist in the development of new modules focussing on improving outcomes in Aboriginal maternal mental health and preterm birth outcomes for First Nations women. Lyfe Languages brings medical students, doctors, and clinicians together with community to translate complex medical terminology into accurate and culturally safe Indigenous language.
WIRF’s World Top 2% Scientist Success.
Stanford University publishes the top 2% most widely cited scientists globally with WIRF’s Professor Matt Kemp making the list.
WIRF secures record SRI awards haul.
WIRF Researchers have achieved a record awards result as part of the Society for Reproductive Investigation’s 2023 Annual Scientific Meeting. Erin Fee, Haruo Usuda, Tsukasa Takahashi, Hideyuki Ikeda and Sean Carter were awarded oral presentations with Erin, Haruo and Tsukasa also awarded the highly coveted SRI President’s Presenter’s Award for their work. These awards represent the top 25 most meritorious abstracts submitted by individuals still in training.
WIRF’s Research Acceleration Awards are launched.
WIRF launches the Research Acceleration Awards program, which aims to support the next generation of West Australian researchers working in the service of women’s, maternal, and newborn health.
Study highlights potential risks of antenatal steroid use on brain development in preterm infants.
A new study finds that the benefits deriving from antenatal steroid therapy, commonly given to pregnant women at risk of preterm birth to help their baby’s lungs develop, are strongly dependent on the type and dose of drug administered. The study also reports that exposure to high, brief doses of steroids were most strongly associated with signalling changes in the brain that may be associated with increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood.
Honourable mention for Lyfe Languages project in ‘The Challenge’.
The Lyfe Languages project, in partnership with WIRF, is recognised with an honourable mention at ‘The Challenge’ winner announcement. The Challenge, supported by the Western Australian Government with contributions from BHP and Rio Tinto, was a 2023 global callout for innovators to brainstorm, collaborate, and ultimately establish a groundbreaking solution to revolutionise health care in the Pilbara. The Lyfe Languages project, which aims to reduce the language and cultural barrier between patients and healthcare providers, was one of 10 finalists from 93 applicants who made it to the final stage.
New blood test shows promise for the early prediction of dangerous pregnancy complications.
A non-invasive way to detect inflammation linked to intra uterine infection (chorioamnionitis), preterm birth and preeclampsia is developed by a team of researchers, led by WIRF and National University of Singapore.
WIRF contributes to international guidance on antenatal steroid dosing.
WIRF research informs a position statement on the dose of antenatal steroids adopted by obstetric and neonatal services in Singapore, helping guide safe and effective treatment for mothers at risk of preterm birth.
New blood test predicts foetal lung maturation.
A new study shows for the first time that a simple blood test from the mother could accurately predict how well a baby’s lungs are developing before birth.
WIRF Community and Consumer Panel is established.
Chaired by Joanne Beedie, who is the CEO of Helping Little Hands and a member of WIRF’s Scientific Committee, the panel brings together a diverse group of individuals with lived experience to ensure that the voices of women, parents, and families are at the heart
of WIRF’s work.
Research shows antenatal steroids delivered by a skin patch could improve preterm birth treatment.
A new study led by WIRF demonstrates for the first time that a transdermal (skin) patch can safely and effectively deliver antenatal steroids to promote preterm foetal lung maturation.
Preterm birth prevention program lowers rate of early births by up to 10%.
The national preterm birth prevention program, in collaboration with the Australian Preterm Birth Prevention Alliance, achieves a 10% reduction in the rate of early term births across the country – about 4,000 fewer early births a year (2018 vs 2024).
World-first ECMO breakthrough offers hope for preterm babies under 2kg.
A study, led by WIRF, in collaboration with the National University of Singapore and Tohoku University Hospital, demonstrates for the first time the successful use of a pump-free ECMO (extracorporeal membranous oxygenation) system in premature lambs weighing under 2kg. This innovation could offer a life-saving alternative for preterm infants with severe respiratory failure who are currently too small or fragile for conventional ECMO systems.
WIRF named WA State Winner in 2025 Telstra Best of Business Awards.
WIRF is named the Western Australian State Winner in the 2025 Telstra Best of Business Awards, recognised for its outstanding impact on the health and wellbeing of women, babies, and families.
Our heartfelt thanks
For five decades, WIRF has been guided by the dedication, leadership, and vision of our Board members. Across generations, their stewardship has shaped our direction, strengthened our governance, and ensured our work delivers lasting impact for women, babies, and families.
WIRF’s achievements have also been made possible by the collective support of our partners, donors, volunteers, and community groups. Their generosity and commitment help ensure the health of women, babies, and families remains a priority through world-class research, healthcare programs, and support services.
While it is not possible to acknowledge every individual and organisation who has contributed to WIRF over the past 50 years, we gratefully recognise the following key contributors and our valued 2026 volunteers, and acknowledge with sincere thanks all those who have been part of our journey.
Legacy and Impact Partners
