The Women and Infants Health Research Laboratories are located in King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH) and have been operational in their current form since 2001. Over the past few years they have been extensively refurbished and equipped through the generosity of WIRF, Lions International, The Bertie Cohen Trust, the Raine Foundation and the University of Western Australia. The laboratories boast state-of-the-art analysis and imaging facilities and a recently established tissue culture laboratory.

The purpose of the laboratories is to complement and enhance the clinical and basic research undertaken through the Foundation and University, as well as to provide analytical facilities for research conducted in the Perinatal Laboratories on UWA campus in Crawley.

A wide range of research projects are being undertaken in the laboratories, including:

• Identifying links between periodontal disease, inflammation and preterm birth.
  

• Studies aimed at identifying genes linked to increased risk of preterm birth.

• Investigating how dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids can protect the placenta from the effects of inflammation and oxidative stress.

• Measuring urinary steroid hormone metabolite levels in young women at risk of developing polycystic ovarian disease (PCOS).

• Studying the effects of exposure to inflammation in the womb on the development of the fetal lung, diaphragm, heart and brain.

• Investigating the role of the fetal environment in the womb in predisposing offspring to diseases such as diabetes, obesity and hypertension later in life.

• Studying placental lipid transport and metabolism to elucidate its role in placental formation and function.

The Director of the Laboratory is Dr Jeff Keelan, who can be contacted regarding any aspect of the research being undertaken and opportunities for study or employment.

Professor Jeffrey A Keelan BSc. (Hons), MSc., PhD
Director, Women and Infants Health Research Laboratories
King Edward Memorial Hospital/University of Western Australia
Email: jeff.keelan@uwa.edu.au
Telephone : (08) 9340 1880