Advancing care for preterm babies
Being born too early is the leading cause of death and disability in children under five in developed countries. Improving survival rates and long-term health outcomes for these babies is a critical focus of WIRF’s research.
Being born too early is the leading cause of death and disability in children under five in developed countries.
Globally, around 13.4 million babies are born preterm every year.
The most vulnerable facing serious complications such as cerebral palsy, chronic lung disease, blindness, and developmental delays. Improving survival rates and long-term health outcomes for these babies is a critical focus of WIRF’s research. Improvements in the care of newborn infants over the last few decades have resulted in much greater survival across the range of gestational ages at birth. Many challenges remain, however, in the care of very preterm infants. The Foundation has multiple studies underway that are investigating better ways to support preterm babies.
Optimising Antenatal Steroid Therapy
WIRF’s research into antenatal steroid therapy is improving outcomes for babies at risk of preterm birth. Antenatal steroids are a crucial treatment given to mothers before premature delivery to accelerate lung development and reduce the risk of respiratory distress syndrome, a leading cause of newborn mortality and complications. Our researchers are investigating the optimal timing, dosing, and effectiveness of this therapy to ensure that more babies receive the maximum benefit while minimising potential side effects. By refining this life-saving intervention, WIRF is helping to improve survival rates and long-term health outcomes for preterm babies.
Revolutionising Preterm Care with Artificial Womb Technology
WIRF is leading groundbreaking research into artificial womb technology, a revolutionary approach that could transform the care of extremely preterm babies. By replicating the natural womb environment, this innovation aims to provide a safer and more supportive alternative to traditional neonatal intensive care. The artificial womb allows fragile preterm babies to continue developing in a fluid-filled environment, reducing the risks of lung damage, infection, and other complications associated with conventional ventilation. WIRF’s pioneering work in this field has the potential to dramatically improve survival rates and long-term health outcomes, offering new hope for the world’s most vulnerable newborns.
Through pioneering research and evidence-based interventions, WIRF is dedicated to giving preterm babies the best possible start in life.
Advancing care for preterm babies projects
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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.
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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.
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