Research Areas

Neonatology

Extending the boundaries of lifesaving care

Gestation remains a key frontier of ongoing neonatal research, extending the boundaries of lifesaving care at Mater's Neonatal Critical Care Unit (NCCU).

Key Highlights:
  • Just a decade ago, 24 weeks' gestation was considered a marker for neonatologists to assess resuscitation
  • Those markers have shifted to 22-23 weeks' gestation through research funding
  • Overseas, success at 21 weeks with potential for quality of life has been realised
  • 85% of babies born less than 750 grams survive to discharge

"When we're able to keep a 22-weeker alive without long-term problems, and apply those skills and learnings, it makes it easier for us to save babies born at 25 or 26 weeks."

— Assoc Prof Luke Jardine, Mater neonatologist
Research Focus

Understanding and mitigating risks for extremely premature neonates, including neurological disability, and skeletal and bone development.

Maternal Fetal Medicine

Expert care for complex pregnancies

Research underpins Mater's world-class Centre for Maternal Fetal Medicine, which provides expert diagnosis and management for women with complex pregnancies.

Key Highlights:
  • Mater performs Australian-first surgeries, including in-utero surgery to treat spina-bifida
  • Dr Glenn Gardener's team is the only one in Australia trained to repair spina-bifida defects inside the womb
  • Surgery undertaken between 22-26 weeks' gestation
  • Prof Sailesh Kumar leads trials evaluating Viagra® to improve perinatal outcomes

"The overarching goal is to position Mater as Australia's pre-eminent perinatal research campus."

— Prof Sailesh Kumar
Research Focus

Reliably identifying infants at-risk of stillbirth and complications, focusing on placental dysfunction and suboptimal fetal growth.

Stillbirth Research

Working toward prevention

Stillbirth remains a poorly understood loss for families and a serious public health problem. Mater's Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth is implementing evidence-based interventions.

Key Highlights:
  • 1 in 137 women who reach 20 weeks' gestation will deliver a stillborn baby
  • 6 babies are stillborn every day in Australia
  • Working toward a 30% reduction in stillbirth rates
  • Implementing a model of maternity care that has successfully reduced rates in the United Kingdom

"Let it be known you are a person of integrity. Recognise the privilege that is yours when you are taken into other people's trust."

— From the research principles
Research Focus

Developing novel methods for identification of at-risk foetus and culturally appropriate pregnancy resources for Indigenous and migrant communities.

Growth and Development

The long game for lifelong health

Research extending far beyond perinatal care to inform better understanding of lifelong health and development milestones through the Queensland Family Cohort Study.

Key Highlights:
  • Beginning with 556 families and 225 children
  • Expanding to a statewide study
  • Taking snapshots of health and environment during pregnancy
  • Following health and wellbeing outcomes long-term

"What really matters to both our families and our clinicians is, 'have I helped a young person, born in difficult circumstances because of prematurity and other complications, reach their full potential in life?'"

— Assoc Prof Mike Beckmann, Chief Medical Officer Mater
Research Focus

Understanding factors that influence healthy growth, wellbeing and ageing, with dedicated focus on vulnerable communities including Indigenous peoples.

Maternity Care

Australia's largest maternity service

A renowned expert in its field, Mater is Australia's largest and most experienced maternity service provider, with innovative programs like Catherine's House.

Key Highlights:
  • Catherine's House - Australia's first integrated perinatal mental health service
  • Evidence-based in-patient and day programs for pregnancy and first year mental health
  • Research on birth trauma and diabetes affecting up to 20% of women during pregnancy
  • Expanding 'fourth trimester' care to 12 months post-partum

"There is a whole world out there in desperate need of impact through empathy."

— From the mission statement
Research Focus

Pre-eclampsia screening and prevention, gynaecological research, and basic science research based on the placenta.

Leading Researchers

Our world-class team of researchers and clinicians are driving innovation and discovering new ways to save and improve lives.

Assoc Prof Luke Jardine

Mater Neonatologist

Extremely premature neonates care

Assoc Prof Paul Dawson

Mater Researcher

Cerebral palsy prevention research

Dr Glenn Gardener

Maternal Fetal Medicine

In-utero spina-bifida surgery

Prof Sailesh Kumar

Maternal Fetal Medicine

Stillbirth prevention research

Dr Vicki Clifton

Pregnancy and Development

Maternal asthma impact research

Dr Vicki Flenady

Stillbirth Research

Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth

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Your donation enables continuity of funding, collaborative functionality, and our capability to attract more lead researchers to Mater's world-class environment.

"It starts with belief."

— Assoc Prof Luke Jardine
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