I am an epidemiologist using record linkage to investigate the causes and consequences of developmental disabilities such as birth defects, intellectual disability and autism and to identify possibilities for their prevention and amelioration.
I am an epidemiologist using high quality data collections and novel methods to generate new knowledge that will help reduce the impact or prevalence of birth defects and related disability.
Improving The Long-term Quality Of Life For Preterm Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$638,517.00
Summary
My vision is to improve the long-term quality of life of preterm children (<37 weeks’ gestation), with a specific focus on those born very preterm (VP; <32 weeks’ gestation). To achieve this goal my research has two broad and related aims: 1) Determine the neurological and socio-environmental mechanisms leading to impairments in preterm children; and 2) Develop and assess the efficacy of perinatal and early intervention programs for preterm children.
Birth is one of the greatest physiological challenges that we will ever experience and so it is not surprising that it is a period of high risk of death. Despite the risk, our understanding of how infants transition from fetal to newborn life is limited. My research is focused on improving our understanding of how infants make the transition at birth so that we can reduce the risks for these most vulnerable of humans. In particular, I want to improve outcomes for infants born very premature.
I am a reproductive biologist specialised in the cell and molecular biology of placental development in pregnancy. I focus on determining the molecular mechanisms that govern placental invasion, growth and function and how these are altered in defective placentation which underlies common complications of pregnancy that can be life threatening to the mother and her baby compromising a healthy start to life. I am developing screening tests to identify couples at risk to improve patient care.
There are new genetic technologies on the horizon that will influence decision-making about testing in pregnancy for fetal abnormality and also create a greater need for communication of important genetic information in families. Two areas of my research will focus on these issues. I will also examine how the interaction between genes and the environment during pregnancy, specifically in relation to alcohol use and assisted reproduction, impacts on offspring health and development
Understanding The Impact Of Preterm Birth On Development: Improving Outcomes For Preterm Infants.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$823,008.00
Summary
Approximately 10% of babies are born prematurely and many suffer long-term health problems. Our aim is to understand how premature birth affects the development of the cardiovascular, respiratory and central nervous systems. This understanding will help to improve the long-term health outcomes for premature infants. By working with medical practitioners treating premature babies we are well placed to translate our findings on preventing and treating developmental injury into clinical practice.
Birth defects are present in 3% of live births and account for some of the 78% of fetuses lost before birth. The causes of these defects are largely unknown. Some are due to genetic factors, some to environmental stresses, and others to a combination of genetic and environmental influences on fetal development. This research aims to identify the genetic and environmental factors that cause birth defects with the anticipation that the occurrence of birth defects may be reduced.
Christine Roberts’ research program uses the most advanced research methods to address new challenges in maternal and child health in a portfolio that extends from bench-to-bedside-to-policy. Four interrelated themes target: accurate identification of at-risk pregnancies; maternity care requirements to improve outcomes in future pregnancies; clinical trials to provide best evidence for obstetric practice; and an improved ability to respond rapidly to emerging issues in policy and practice.
Developmental Genetics And Stem Cell Biology Of Birth Defects And Cell Based Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$823,008.00
Summary
Professor Tam is a mammalian embryologist studying the genetic and cellular mechanisms that form and shape the embryo and its organs during development. His work will help us to understand the causes of birth defects, how to prevent them and to correct the disorders by stem cell-based therapy.