The Fetal and Neonatal research Group, based in the Department of Physiology, Monash University, is one of the largest and most productive groups of fetal and neonatal researchers in the world.
Research Interests and Expertise
Research topics covered by the Fetal and Neonatal Research Group include:
- Development of the structure and function of muscle, respiratory and nervous systems.
- Control of blood flow in the fetus and neonate.
- Development of hormonal systems and their regulation by the fetal brain and placenta.
- Control of growth and maturation of the fetus.
- Maintenance of pregnancy and initiation of labour.
- Mechanisms of preterm labour and its inhibition.
- Neonatal complications of preterm birth.
- Provision of life-support for the pre-viable neonate
- Physiological adaptations to life after birth.
- Sleep/wake behaviour in the fetus
- Arousal from sleep in the newborn.
- Effects of environmental challenges on the fetus, and on wellbeing and survival after birth.
- Fetal stem cell therapy
Research conducted by members of the Fetal and Neonatal Research Group adresses many of the major problems in human obstetrics and neonatology, including:
- Intrauterine growth restriction
- Intrauterine infection/inflammation
- Preterm labour
- Preterm birth
- Neonatal resuscitation
- Respiratory distress syndrome
- Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
- Cerebral palsy
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Teaching
The Fetal and Neonatal Research Group are involved in a number of undergraduate and postgraduate teaching activities, including supervision of Honours, Masters and PhD students. The group has a long tradition of producing award-winning PhD graduates of outstanding quality, who go on to work with other world-leading researchers in Australia and overseas.
Postgraduate studies in Physiology
Potential Honours, Masters or PhD students should contact individual researchers by email.
