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

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.

Prevention of preterm birth

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

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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Preterm birth prevention program lowers rate of early births by up to 10%.

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 3 mins read

Governor-General hosts celebration of WIRF’s 50 years of research and impact

The Women and Infants Research Foundation celebrated its 50th anniversary at a special event hosted by Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia, at Admiralty House in Sydney on 23 October.

News 3 mins read

WIRF Global Institute for Women and Babies

The WIRF Global Institute for Women and Babies will bring together world-leading scientists, clinicians, universities, hospitals and industry to rapidly solve some of the most urgent health challenges facing women and babies – here in Australia and around the world.

News 3 mins read

Australia to lead global push to close the women’s health gap

New research institute to attract international scientific leaders to Australia and accelerate breakthroughs in women’s health, pregnancy and early-life care.

News 5 mins read

Reframing ‘Irregular’: Not Rare, Not Insignificant, No Longer Overlooked

On Friday 28 August 2026, WIRF welcomed more than 150 guests to its annual WIRF Scientific Dialogue, with this year’s theme being Reframing ‘Irregular’: Not Rare, Not Insignificant, No Longer Overlooked.