From Insights to Impact: Pioneering Innovations for Thriving Families

Please join us for this Healthy Development Adelaide (HDA) forum held in conjunction with our partner organisation the Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide.

On a mission to tackle reproductive challenges and children’s health, this event will take you on a journey of discovery that is destined to change the lives of mothers and children. Hear about the novel approaches and technologies that are hoped will increase IVF rates in the future, revolutionise the way endometriosis will be diagnosed, transform the lives of children with cystic fibrosis and pioneer health equity in sexual and reproductive health for migrants.  

OUR SPEAKERS

A/Professor Kylie Dunning, Head, Reproductive Success Group, Robinson Research Institute / Deputy Director, Centre of Light for Life, Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, University of Adelaide

Unveiling embryo developmental potential with advanced photonics

The developmental potential of an embryo is a key factor in determining whether an IVF cycle will result in a live birth. However, an accurate diagnostic for embryo quality remains elusive. Advanced optical imaging can address this need. I will present our work showing how optical imaging can record both morphological and molecular images that can assist in reaching this goal. I will also present our results on the use of digital holographic imaging.

A/Professor Kylie Dunning’s interdisciplinary research uses light for imaging, analysis and microfabrication. This aims to better understand the mechanisms underpinning healthy oocyte and embryo development as well as revolutionise assisted reproductive technologies. A/Professor Dunning’s interdisciplinary expertise is best illustrated by her multi-faceted studies of embryo development and metabolism, in which she uniquely capitalised on the use of advanced optical analyses to develop a non-invasive technology to diagnose both the presence and location of aneuploid cells within the developing embryo. Her research has received international recognition, winning the Basic Science Award at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (2021) and highlighted in TIME magazine (USA, Sept 2022).

A/Professor Zohra Lassi, (HDA Co-Convenor), NHMRC Emerging Leader-2 Fellow, Robinson Research Institute and School of Public Health, University of Adelaide.

Equal Access: Pioneering health equity in sexual and reproductive health for migrants and refugees in Australia through cutting-edge research

This presentation delves into cutting-edge research focused on enhancing sexual and reproductive health equity for migrants and refugees in Australia. By examining innovative approaches and evidence-based practices, we highlight the disparities faced by these populations and propose solutions to improve health outcomes. Our research aims to foster resilience and ensure equitable healthcare access for all.

A/Professor Zohra Lassi is a trained epidemiologist recognised internationally for her work on identifying interventions for improving reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health and nutrition in disadvantaged settings by advancing knowledge in public health practice and translation into global health policies and guidelines. She has published over 200 peer-reviewed papers, an author of 11 book chapters and several research/technical reports. Her research has contributed significantly to global integrated maternal and newborn policies and guidelines.

Professor M. Louise Hull, Head, Endometriosis Research Group / Head, Fertility and Conception Theme, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide / Deputy Head, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Adelaide and Dr Jodie Avery, Senior Research Fellow, Endometriosis Research Group, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide

IMAGENDO: Building a revolutionary diagnostic healthcare solution for women’s health using AI.

Endometriosis affects 1 in 9 women or those assigned female at birth worldwide. Currently, there is no known way to prevent or cure endometriosis, however early diagnosis, intervention and management may slow or stop the natural disease progression. IMAGENDO combines endometriosis transvaginal ultrasounds and magnetic resonance images using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address the delay in diagnosis.

Professor M. Louise Hull’s group specialises in the applications of digital technology to health promotion and delivery for people with endometriosis, microRNA technology, genomics, reproductive immunology and novel mouse methods. Professor Hull publishes widely, presents at international conferences, supervises PhD students and teaches reproductive medicine to medical students, registrars and fellows.
She is currently the Written Exam Chair for the Certificate in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (CREI) subspeciality for RANZCOG and the President of the ANZSREI society. Louise is also a Medical Advisory Board for Aspire and in 2023 was the Chair of the local organising committee for ASPIRE’s annual meeting in Adelaide. She is a member of FIGO’s Reproductive medicine international committee. She has developed many reproductive medicine and endometriosis consensus statements, and educational programs for Australia and New Zealand, the Asia Pacific and for the global FIGO group. Professor Hull is the owner and Medical Director of the Embrace Fertility Clinic in Adelaide. Dr Hull also sees reproductive medicine patients at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Adelaide.

Dr Jodie Avery BA, BAppSc, MPH, PhD is a social researcher with advanced skills in both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. She is currently Senior Research Fellow and IMAGENDO® Program Manager in the Endometriosis Research group with the Robinson Research Institute. This program combines endometriosis ultrasounds and MRIs using artificial intelligence to get a more accurate diagnosis for endometriosis. As a chronic disease epidemiologist her primary area of research has concerned the intersection of women's chronic health conditions with psychosocial factors that may influence other associated comorbidities. This includes investigating psychosocial and mental health aspects of women’s chronic conditions such as Endometriosis, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and Incontinence throughout the life course. Ultimately, Jodie hopes to increase the awareness of Endometriosis and PCOS within the medical community so that women may receive a timelier diagnosis, as well as care that is appropriate to their needs.

A/Professor Martin Donnelley, Adelaide Medical School, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide

Unveiling the Dynamics of Breathing: X-Ray velocimetry's breakthrough in Cystic Fibrosis lung imaging

Cystic fibrosis is an incurable inherited disease that primarily affects the lungs. Over the last decades our understanding of the disease and treatments for it have both improved substantially. However, the primary tests we use for measuring how well the lungs are functioning have not. That is until now. X-ray Velocimetry (XV), a new functional lung imaging method, is now showing us how well the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis are working. For the first time, XV allows us to identify where disease is affecting how air moves within the lungs.

A/Professor Martin Donnelley is the Leader of the Respiratory X-ray Imaging Laboratory and Co-Director of the Cystic Fibrosis Airway Research Group. Martin’s teams focus on X-ray imaging approaches for assessing and tracking airway and lung health, and developing effective airway gene therapies for cystic fibrosis.

OUR CHAIR

A/Professor Zohra Lassi (HDA Co-Convenor), Robinson Research Institute and School of Public Health, University of Adelaide.

Other event information:

Networking and light refreshments will follow the session from 7.00pm.

Open to everyone, general public welcome.