NBMRF 2027 Innovation Grants

Congratulations to Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn Health researchers who were successfully awarded Norman Beischer Medical Research Foundation (NBMRF) Research Grants for 2027.

These NBMRF Innovation grants were awarded to the following Dept OGN staff, students and honoraries in at the University of Melbourne in October 2026:

Targeted Prevention of Cardiometabolic Disease in Women after Gestational Diabetes and Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: A Genome-Exposome Study

Dr Melvin Barrientos Marzan, Prof Lisa Hui, A/Prof Xiaoqin Liu, A/Prof Nhung Trinh

University of Melbourne / Mercy Perinatal

Gestational diabetes and high blood pressure during pregnancy can be early warning signs of a woman’s future risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This project will combine genetic, lifestyle and environmental data to identify the factors most likely to drive that future risk — and which may be modified. The research aims to move care beyond one-size-fits-all advice by identifying targeted prevention strategies for women following complicated pregnancies, providing the evidence needed for the next generation of prevention trials.

Improving the identification and characterisation of small for gestational age fetuses and their risks of stillbirth and neonatal morbidity: Australian population-based cohort studies

Alexandra Roddy Mitchell , Dr Natasha Pritchard, Dr Hannah Gordon, Dr Melvin Marzan, Ms Melanie Moir, Prof Susan Walker

University of Melbourne / Mercy Perinatal

Small babies face an increased risk of stillbirth, but not every small baby is unhealthy. Using data from almost three million Australian births, this project will investigate which small babies are genuinely at highest risk, including babies from twin pregnancies, and when birth may be safest. The findings could improve identification of babies at risk of stillbirth, guide more personalised monitoring and timing of birth, and reduce unnecessary intervention for babies who are small but healthy.

MISTIC: Minimally Invasive Surfactant Therapy with Increased Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

Lucy Loft, Professor Brett Manley, Professor David Tingay, Associate Professor Risha Bhatia

University of Melbourne / Mercy Perinatal / MCRI

Very preterm babies often need breathing support, but mechanical ventilation can damage their fragile developing lungs. The MISTIC trial will test whether briefly increasing non-invasive breathing support before administering surfactant can help open the lungs more effectively and reduce the need for mechanical ventilation. If successful, this simple, low-cost intervention could be rapidly adopted in neonatal units worldwide, reducing lung injury and the lifelong burden of chronic lung disease in premature babies.

We also congratulate our Dept Staff and Honoaries who were awarded grants under other institutions:

BabyCCINO-PLUS: Understanding the mechanisms of caffeine citrate in very preterm infants

Kate Hodgson, Prof Brett Manley, A/Prof Chris McKinlay, Dr Tugba Alarcon Martinez, Dr Elizabeth Baker awarded through The Women’s

Around one in ten babies worldwide is born preterm, and caffeine is routinely used to help very preterm babies breathe. Yet the ideal dose — and how different doses affect the developing heart and brain — remains uncertain. BabyCCINO-PLUS will study 660 babies alongside a major international clinical trial to understand how caffeine works and identify the safest and most effective dose. The findings could shape international treatment guidelines, reduce chronic lung disease and improve survival and long-term development for very preterm babies.

Optimising breathing support at extubation in very preterm infants

Georgia Stephen, Prof David Tingay, Dr Arun Sett, A/Prof Risha Bhatia, A/Prof Prue Pereira-Fantini awarded through MCRI

Removing a breathing tube is a critical moment for very preterm babies, and some babies deteriorate and need to be re-intubated, increasing the risk of complications and longer hospital stays. This study will test whether starting gentle nasal breathing support before the tube is removed — known as prePAP — improves oxygen levels and makes the transition safer. The trial will provide the first rigorous evidence for this promising approach and could lay the foundation for an international trial to improve breathing care for very preterm babies worldwide.

Aspirin and the Endometrial Origins of Preeclampsia

A/Prof Miranda Davies-Tuck | A/Prof Shayanti Mukherjee, Dr Holly Ung, Dr Sarah Marshall, Prof Daniel Rolnik, Dr Fiona Cousin, Prof Natalie Hannan, Prof Caroline Gargett, Prof Beverley Vollenhoven awarded through Hudson Institute of Medical Research

Preeclampsia remains a major threat to mothers and babies, and there is still no treatment capable of stopping or reversing the disease. Emerging evidence suggests its origins may begin before pregnancy in the endometrium — the lining of the uterus where the placenta first develops. Using menstrual fluid and advanced 3D bioprinting, this project will create personalised models of the endometrium and investigate how aspirin acts on this early environment. The research could reveal why aspirin prevents preeclampsia in some women but not others and identify new targets for earlier, more effective prevention.

The Norman Beischer Medical Research Foundation supports and promotes improvements in the reproductive health of women and in the health of their babies and infants.

It actively supports research into obstetrics and the prevention, control and treatment of gynaecological diseases and related problems. It funds clinical and scientific research by leading and emerging researchers and uses this research to educate and inform medical practice in Australia and elsewhere.

The Foundation’s Research Committee meets annually to review grant applications. Submissions are assessed by the Committee members, and recommendations for grants are approved by the Board of Directors.

Innovation Grants provide seed funding to support highly innovative research projects with potential for significant clinical impact. They may lead to major grant applications with such institutions as the NHMRC and the Medical Futures Fund.

These grants are open to any researcher at any career stage and are generally for one year, but in certain circumstances may be for longer.