Search

Cancers in children are very different from cancers in adults - in most cases they appear to strike simply at random. They also develop differently and can spread more rapidly and aggressively. And because cancers in children are not obviously linked to their lifestyles, much work is needed to pinpoint their cause.

Characterised by varying degrees of difficulties in communication skills and social abilities, one in every 100 individuals will have a diagnosis of an autism spectrum condition. While autism is known to run in families, the exact causes remain unknown.

One in eight children have asthma, a chronic disease of the airways in the lungs. It results in shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing and coughing.

Bronchiolitis is a respiratory infection, usually occurring in babies under six months of age. It causes them to wheeze and can lead to pneumonia. Researchers are focusing on vaccines against the virus which commonly causes it.

The Yawardani Jan-ga Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) research project, headed by Professor Juli Coffin in WA’s Kimberley region, is steadily growing its capacity to support the social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of Aboriginal young people through the powerful medium of horses.

The Ngulluk Koolunga Ngulluk Koort (Our Children, Our Heart) Project grew out of a bold vision to harness the wisdom of Aboriginal Elders to improve outcomes for Aboriginal children, producing a suite of Elder-led, culturally appropriate and empowering initiatives that are making a difference.

Two international trials led by The Kids Research Institute Australia’s Neonatal and Infection Immunity Team are tackling the urgent need for simple and safe interventions that can help prevent the adverse long-term effects of infections in extremely preterm babies.

CliniKids, the first stand-alone clinical service offered by The Kids Research Institute Australia, was launched in October 2019 and is already delivering benefits for families with children who are developing differently.

The Institute farewelled one of its most treasured employees this year, as The Kids Cancer Centre research officer Jette Ford closed the door on a quietly stellar 37-year career which has helped to change the face of cancer research in WA and around the world.

Five years of intensive collaboration between researchers, clinicians, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, and government and non-government organisations have finally put the long-fought for goal of ending RHD within reach.