16/02/2026
A huge congratulations to all of our amazing Mercy Perinatal researchers who are recipients of the 2026 Norman Beischer Medical Research Foundation Research Grants.
Prof Lisa Hui (CIA) was awarded a grant for Congenital CMV a leading infectious cause of disability in newborns. This study will measure infection rates in early pregnancy and embed CMV prevention into GP antenatal care. The results will fill a critical data gap, informing screening policy and empowering families and clinicians.
Dr Natasha de Alwis (CIA) and Prof Natalie Hannan received funding for their project applying CRISPR/Cas13b gene-editing combined with nanoparticle delivery to silence the placental genes that drive preeclampsia. It represents a first-in-kind RNA-targeting therapy that could transform maternal care and reduce mortality, positioning Australia at the forefront of pregnancy therapeutics.
Dr Natasha Pritchard (CIA), Prof Susan Walker, A/Prof Anthea Lindquist, and A/Prof Roxanne Hastie received a grant for the FROGS growth chart which improves identification of babies at risk of complications such as stillbirth without increasing false positives. This project translates the FROGS algorithm into clinical practice via a digital platform. Nationwide adoption would standardise foetal growth assessment and target interventions.
Prof Lisa Hui (CIB) is also part of the team that received funding for HOPSCOTCH which will create Australia’s first unbiased mother–child cohort to fill that gap. The study will guide counselling, care standards and the creation of a national registry, ensuring evidence-based, family-centred care.
Thank you to the Norman Beischer Medical Research Foundation for supporting our research and projects – it’s unwavering support from organisations like NBMRF that allows our team to proceed with investigating the big questions, getting us one step closer to bringing more mums and babies home safely.
A huge congratulations to Lisa, Tash, Natalie, Natasha, Sue, Anthea & Roxanne – we are so excited to the results of these projects and what it means for mums and babies across Australia and beyond!
