Celebrating 25 years of respiratory research excellence

The Institute for Respiratory Health proudly celebrated 25 years of respiratory research excellence at its Anniversary Symposium held on 17 September at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research.

The event brought together leading researchers, clinicians and supporters to reflect on a quarter century of achievement and to explore the latest developments in respiratory research. It also spotlighted the next generation of researchers whose work is shaping the future of lung health in Western Australia and beyond.

A moving Welcome to Country was delivered by Mr Vaughn McGuire, a respected Whadjuk Noongar Elder followed by an official opening from the Hon. Minister Stephen Dawson MLC, who acknowledged the Institute’s vital role in advancing respiratory health over the past 25 years.

Emeritus Professor Geoff Stewart, Director of the Institute, welcomed guests and shared reflections on the organisation’s growth, impact and continued commitment to collaboration.

The scientific program curated by Associate Professor Cecilia Prêle and the Symposium Organising Committee featured 16 oral presentations and 20 research posters. Presentations covered a wide range of topics, including pneumonia diagnostics, phage therapy, asbestos-related cancers, fibrosis and cancer immunology.

A highlight of the afternoon was the Rising Star session, where early and mid-career researchers delivered high-impact presentations on conditions such as mesothelioma, asthma and interstitial lung disease.

To acknowledge and honour the contributions of early to mid-career researchers the following awards were presented:

Rising Star Awards

• Dr Kelly Short – The Immunoarchitecture of IPF: A Spotlight on B Cells (sponsored by The University of Western Australia).
• Dr Sanjay Ramakrishnan – What If Exacerbations Were the Answer? Rethinking the Role of Acute Events (sponsored by the Institute for Respiratory Health).

Poster Presentation Prizes

• Aaron Gomes – Exploring therapeutic efficacy on airway remodelling and inflammation in allergen-sensitised mice (sponsored by Murdoch University).
• Jess Boulter – Exploring and exploiting the antigenic landscape of mesothelioma for cancer vaccine development (sponsored by Curtin University).

The event reinforced the Institute’s mission to lead in respiratory research and its commitment to improving lung health for everyone. It was also a celebration of community with many long-time collaborators and supporters in attendance.

As the Institute looks ahead, it remains focused on translating research into real-world impact, ensuring that people with respiratory disease benefit from the latest research and innovation.

Header image: Award winners (left to right) Aaron Gomes, Dr Sanjay Ramakrishnan, Dr Kelly Short and Jess Boulter.

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Andrea Jones
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