Research Projects

WIRF is at the forefront of research aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of women, babies and families. From preventing preterm birth to advancing cancer care, our research makes a difference for future generations.

Explore our Research

Prevention of preterm birth

Being born too early is the leading cause of death and disability in children under five.

Advancing care for preterm babies

Driving innovative research to give preterm babies the best possible start in life.

Pregnancy and conception

WIRF supports a wide range of projects aimed at improving the outcomes of pregnancy.

Maternal and infant conditions

Researching and supporting better outcomes for mothers and babies facing complex health challenges.

Women’s health

We focus on causes, cures, and improving lives affected by women’s cancers and diseases such as endometriosis.

First Nations

Partnering with First Nations communities to improve maternal, infant, and women’s health through health programs, research and culturally safe care.

Mental health

Supporting the mental health of mothers and fathers through research and care.

Translating research into practice

Turning groundbreaking research into real-world solutions that improve health outcomes and care.

Help shape our research

Partner with us to make a real, measurable impact.

Driving Breakthroughs for Women and Babies

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Enable us to fund innovative research and vital support services

What’s new at WIRF

Stay up to date on our latest research breakthroughs, community initiatives, events and ways to get involved.

View all our news

News 2 mins read

WIRF partners with Safewill to offer free Wills during Charity Wills Week

The Women and Infants Research Foundation has partnered with Safewill to offer people the opportunity to write a free, legally binding Will during Charity Wills Week.

News 3 mins read

Hannah Watson awarded PhD scholarship to advance safer, more personalised care for premature babies

Emerging researcher Hannah Watson has been awarded a University of Western Australia PhD scholarship, with additional top-up funding from WIRF, to undertake research aimed at improving outcomes for babies born too early.

News 1 min read

WIRF to invest $500,000 in research through 2026 Research Acceleration Awards

Monday 2 March 2026 – Applications are officially open for the WIRF 2026 Research Acceleration Awards, a major funding initiative supporting Western Australian researchers to advance breakthroughs in women’s, maternal, and newborn health.

News 3 mins read

World-first model shows how fetal brains respond to low oxygen – with clues for better care

A new study from WIRF and international partners has created the world’s first controllable model of acute fetal hypoxia – a condition where an unborn baby gets too little oxygen – using artificial placenta technology.