Funding the future.
- Perth Children's Hospital Foundation
Funding the future.
- Perth Children's Hospital Foundation
Perth Children's Hospital Foundation, in partnership with the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation, is proud to introduce the inaugural recipients of the Early Career Research (ECR) Award – Dr Mary Abraham and Dr David Hancock.
The ECR award is designed to support emerging researchers at Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH) as they work towards groundbreaking contributions to children’s health.
By providing a funding boost, the ECR Award assists researchers like Dr Abraham and Dr Hancock to acquire new skills and bring fresh ideas and solutions to major health issues, improving health outcomes for kids in WA and beyond.
Dr Mary Abraham: Optimising Management of Type 1 Diabetes.
Dr Mary Abraham, a paediatric endocrinologist, has embarked on a critical 18-month research project aimed at enhancing the management of hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose levels) in children with Type 1 diabetes (T1D).
T1D is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin, affecting over 1,100 children and teens currently under the care of PCH’s diabetes service.
Hypoglycaemia, or ‘hypo’ episodes, can occur as frequently as every couple of days. Severe cases can lead to coma or convulsions. Advancements in T1D management have significantly reduced severe hypo incidents but may now lead to overtreatment and counterproductive high glucose levels. Dr Abraham’s research seeks to identify the most appropriate glucose level at which to initiate hypo treatment safely.
“Our aim is to review ‘hypo’ management with the intention of making it less intrusive, and more friendly, for those living with T1D,” says Dr Abraham.
It will also provide evidence-based recommendations to inform international guidelines, potentially transforming hypo management globally.
“The project has potential global reach and the acceptance of lower glucose thresholds before initiating management of hypoglycaemia will allow these children to have less disruption in their lives,” Dr Abraham adds.
Dr David Hancock: How Genetics Could Predict Respiratory Disease in Infants.
Dr David Hancock, an advanced trainee in respiratory medicine, is investigating the genetic factors that predict respiratory disease in infants.
His aim is to demonstrate that respiratory disease risk can be predicted at birth through genetic features in a newborn’s respiratory cells. This pioneering approach could allow for early intervention before the onset of disease.
“Recurrent wheezing and asthma are prevalent yet challenging to diagnose early. By understanding the genes that lead to the development of recurrent wheezing, we hope to unlock new ways to identify and manage children before they are burdened with poorly controlled disease,” Dr Hancock explains.
Dr Hancock’s groundbreaking research could revolutionise early detection and treatment, potentially improving quality of life and reducing healthcare costs for the WA health system.
The ECR Award is funded by Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation, the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation, and the Chester Estate.
Applications are now open for this year’s ECR Award: Click the link here for more information, with applications due on Monday, September 30th. Good luck!
