News & Events
Spotlighting PhD student Kelly McGrath
Kelly commenced her PhD at Charles Darwin University within the Health Services Research Team at Wesley Research Institute in 2025, combining her biomedical and health services research experience to examine factors which affect the management of hard-to-heal or chronic wounds.
Queensland Scientists Win Prestigious NHMRC Science to Art Award
A breathtaking image capturing the intricate details of skin cancer has earned the Queensland Spatial Biology Centre (QSBC) scientists the prestigious 2025 National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Science to Art Award.
Advancing Coeliac Disease Research
For decades, the gluten-free diet has been the only option for the 1 in 70 Queenslanders – over 80,000 people – living with coeliac disease. Now, clinical trials, spearheaded by Dr James Daveson, Director of the Wesley Coeliac Disease and Immune Health Research Program and the Coral Sea Institute in Mackay, are rewriting the script.
High Quality Healthcare, No Matter Your Postcode
A groundbreaking study by Queensland’s Wesley Research Institute, published in Nature’s new journal npj Health Systems, reveals that entrenched biases and systemic barriers are perpetuating these inequities, calling for an urgent reimagining of healthcare delivery across Australia.
Research Advisory Board
We welcome Dr John Rivers, Professor Janet Hardy, Professor Jennifer Byrne, Professor John Prins, Professor Steven Lane, Professor Cathy Mihalopoulos and Professor Jill Francis to our newly established Research Advisory Board.
Pulmonary Hypertension team’s visit to Saudi Arabia
Wesley Research Institute researcher Dr John Feenstra and Clinical Trial Coordinator Bronwen Field, had the privilege of attending the 18th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Saudi Arabia Pulmonary Hypertension Society recently.
Breakthrough Research Reveals Why Some Cancer Patients Respond to Immunotherapy While Others Don’t
In a groundbreaking study, Australian researchers at the Queensland Spatial Biology Centre (QSBC) have uncovered a crucial factor that determines whether patients with head and neck cancer will respond to immunotherapy - a finding that could pave the way for more effective treatments and improved survival rates.
New Research Highlights the Potential of Private Virtual Hospitals to Improve Healthcare Access
New research has revealed the immense potential of private virtual hospitals to transform healthcare delivery in Australia.
The study explores how these “hospitals without walls” can safely and effectively provide hospital-level care in patients’ homes, combining telehealth consultations, remote monitoring, and hybrid care approaches.
Wesley Research Institute’s First Coeliac Disease Webinar Series A Success
Wesley Research Institute’s inaugural Coeliac Disease Webinar Series has been met with an overwhelming response. The two-session event - one tailored for individuals living with coeliac disease and the other for clinicians - featured leading experts Dr James Daveson, Clinical Director of the Coeliac Research and Immune Health Program at Wesley Research Institute, and Dr Jason W. Chien, Chief Medical Officer at Mozart Therapeutics.
Professor John Fraser AO Honoured with Order of Australia
Wesley Research Institute congratulates Professor John Fraser AO on being named an Officer of the Order of Australia for his distinguished service to medicine as an intensive care physician, surgeon and global leader in critical care research.
Forming effective Dementia Friendly Communities (DFC’s)
Dr Caroline Grogan’s important work on Dementia Friendly Communities (DFCs) has been highlighted in the January edition of the Australian Journal of Dementia Care. Her research addresses a critical aspect of supporting people living with dementia in shaping an effective DFC: the inclusion, support, and voice for people living with dementia and their carers.
Coeliac Disease Webinar Series
Are you or a loved one living with coeliac disease? Join us for an engaging and informative webinar designed to explore the challenges, breakthroughs and future pathways in managing this complex disease. Kicking off on Tuesday, 28 January 2025, the first webinar, Living with Coeliac Disease – Pathways to Treatment.
QSBC researchers shine at Multi-Omics 2024!
Queensland Spatial Biology Centre researchers had an action-packed few days at the Multi-Omics 2024 conference held in Brisbane last week.
Health Services Research in the Digital Age
The Wesley Research Institute Health Services Research team attended the Health Services Research Association of Australia and New Zealand (HSRAANZ) conference last week at the Royal International Convention Centre (Royal ICC) in Brisbane!
Celebrating 30 Years at Government House
We were delighted to be invited by Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, who is Patron-in-Chief of Wesley Research Institute to celebrate 30 years of delivering real health impact at Government House.
Message from Our Patron-In-Chief, the Governor of Queensland
Message from the Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM. We thank her for her ongoing patronage. “This has been another exceptional year for Wesley Research Institute – a fitting achievement to mark 30 years of medical and health research that has benefited both patients and the wider community.
Wesley Research Open Day a Success!
During our Open Day on Monday, November 25th we celebrated 30 years of delivering real health impact!
The event highlighted the institute's achievements and aimed to showcase our research programs, clinical trials, research grant rounds, and biobank facility.
Breakthrough Coeliac Treatment Shows Promise in Early Clinical Trials
A promising new approach to treating coeliac disease may offer hope to millions living with the condition. Early data from a clinical trial of IMU-856, a novel small molecule drug, suggests potential in repairing gut function - an exciting development for those with coeliac disease.
30 Years of Delivering Real Health Impact
Since our founding in 1994, Wesley Research Institute (WRI) has grown into a leader in health and medical research, consistently working to improve patient outcomes. Celebrate 30 years of delivering real health impact with us.
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Advocating for Virtual Healthcare at the Research Australia Summit
Dr Olivia Fisher and Associate Professor Elizabeth Martin recently attended Research Australia Pre-Election Summit in Canberra, to advocate for virtual healthcare and health services research within the private hospital sector.
Wesley Research Institute Open Day
Join us for our Open Day on Monday the 25th of November! Learn about our impactful research and meet some of the amazing minds behind it, while enjoying a free coffee and a piece of cake as we celebrate our 30th birthday.
QSBC listed in the top 100 Innovators for 2024
Wesley Research Institute is celebrating the recognition of Dr Arutha Kulasinghe, Professor John Fraser, and Associate Professor Kirsty Short on their feature in The Australian Innovators magazine! Their groundbreaking research at Wesley Research Institute’s Queensland Spatial Biology Centre (QSBC) is paving the way for more tailored, effective pandemic preparedness solutions for future generations.
New Wesley Research Institute Program Offers Hope for Pulmonary Hypertension Patients
A new and unique Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) Research Program at Wesley Research Institute aims to provide hope and improved quality of life for patients affected by this debilitating condition. The program aims revolutionise PH treatment by investigating new therapies, and supplementing existing ones to avoid the need for transplants.
QSBC Announces Latest Publications in Spatial Biology
The Queensland Spatial Biology Centre (QSBC) is proud to announce the publication of research papers in three highly regarded journals. These studies, all published in July 2024, highlight our innovative research in cancer and immunotherapy.
Breaking Ground in Paediatric Rare Disease Research
Wesley Research Institute is home to a groundbreaking trial using triheptanoin, a dietary fat, to treat Ataxia-Telangiectasia (A-T), a rare degenerative neurological disorder.
This trial has shown promising results, with observed improvements in neurology scales and cellular biomarkers indicating the treatment’s effectiveness.
World-First ‘Back to the Future’ Research Set To Boost Pandemic Protection
A world-first research project by two Queensland professors is set to offer a blueprint for developing more effective vaccines and therapies specifically tailored to safeguard the health of children and young adults in times of global health crises. Spearheaded by Professor John Fraser, Dr Arutha Kulasinghe and Associate Professor Kirsty Short, this pioneering study, funded […]
Coeliac Research Network Night a Great Success
Last Thursday evening, on the 6th of June, the Wesley Hospital Auditorium saw a community of coeliac disease advocates come together to learn more about coeliac disease, and hear about the latest research, clinical trial updates and advocacy efforts within Wesley Research Institute Coeliac Disease and Immune Health Research Program.
AI Initiative Targets ‘Beeps and Bongs’ to Revolutionise ICU Care
A research initiative aiming to leverage Artificial Intelligence’s capabilities to detect early signs of patient deterioration, especially in those undergoing mechanical ventilation, is receiving significant backing from the Wesley Research Institute. At the helm of this innovative project are Dr James Winearls and Professor John Fraser.
Pioneering Research to Advance Pandemic Protection for Youth
A novel research initiative spearheaded by Professor John Fraser and Associate Professor Kirsty Short, is set to lay the groundwork for vaccines and treatments aimed at protecting children and young adults during health crises.
Empowering Cancer Survivors Through Innovative Exercise Therapy
Dr Janine Porter-Steele and Professor Alexandra (Sandie) McCarthy are leading the FOXTROT project, focusing on delivering telehealth exercise therapy to cancer survivors living with ostomies.
Researchers on Quest to Perfect Mitral Valve Repair in Cardiac Patients
A pioneering study led by Dr Christopher Raffel and Professor John Fraser is focusing on advancing the treatment of heart valve diseases, specifically targeting mitral regurgitation, a condition that significantly impacts the quality of life of around 200,000 Australians.
Breathing New Life into Cancer Care
In a crucial study aimed at transforming post-operative care, Dr Luke Garske and Professor Ian Stewart are exploring a non-invasive method designed to strengthen the breathing muscles of patients undergoing talc pleurodesis for malignant pleural effusion.
Breakthrough Project Set To Transform Early Alzheimer’s Disease Detection
Led by Associate Professor David Wong and Dr Sepinoud Firouzmand from I-MED Radiology Wesley at The Wesley Hospital in Brisbane, this innovative project focuses on enabling early and accurate detection for millions of Alzheimer's Disease patients.
Isaac Navicare Pilot Evaluation
Our new study published this week in PLOS ONE demonstrated how supportive mental health care navigation can help reduce healthcare inequities faced by people living in rural and remote Queensland. Kelly McGrath, Care Navigator, and Dr Olivia Fisher, Senior Research Fellow led an evaluation of Isaac Navicare’s uptake and effectiveness during the initial 12-month pilot.
Lung Cancer METASPATIAL Study awarded $1 million by the Australian Government
We’re delighted to announce that Dr Arutha Kulasinghe is leading the Lung Cancer METASPATIAL Study that has been awarded nearly $1m by the Australian Government. The project is supported by the Wesley Research Institute and the University of Queensland. The METASPATIAL Study will be undertaken over the next 4 years at Wesley Research Institute’s new Queensland Spatial Biology Centre (QSBC).
Research breakthrough set to personalise treatment for Cancer, Heart and Lung Disease
At Wesley Research Institute's Queensland Spatial Biology Centre (QSBC), a team of researchers has made a significant breakthrough in pathology, set to revolutionise treatments for cancer, heart and lung disease.
Mitsubishi Development announces largest Australian partnership
On Thursday 6 July Wesley Research Institute and Mitsubishi Development signed a new partnership, the largest for Mitsubishi Development in Australia, which will provide significant funding for Navicare over the next two years.
Maureen Stevenson Award
Maureen Stevenson received the 2023 Community Philanthropist of the Year Award at the Queensland Philanthropy Awards (QCF) held at Brisbane Town Hall.
Australian scientists prove medicinal cannabis can be a lifechanging treatment for people with Tourette Syndrome
Imagine the pain and embarrassment of violent movements and uncontrollable outbursts at school or work…that’s what life was like for Chris Wright (35) before he started a ground-breaking clinical trial of medicinal cannabis.
PARIS 2 research findings
World first research study outlines best practice for treating children with oxygen therapy
PARIS on Country
Respiratory treatment for children in remote areas set to improve
Wesley Research Institute Launches New Coeliac Research Network
OMG! Decadent Donuts was privileged to be invited to attend and supply donuts at the Wesley Research Institute’s launch of their new Coeliac Research Network
Coeliac Disease and Immune Health Advocates Event a Great Success
Last Thursday evening, on May 11th, the Wesley Hospital Auditorium was filled with people who were eager to learn more about all things coeliac disease, including the latest research, and advocacy efforts.
Community Urged To Back New Coeliac Research Network
Thousands of Australians with coeliac disease are being urged to get behind a new research network launched in Brisbane last night ahead of International Coeliac Awareness Day next week (16 May).
Wesley Research Institute Celebrates Successful Open Day
Wesley Research Institute celebrated the launch of its new brand with two open day events held at St Andrews War Memorial Hospital on May 3rd, and at The Wesley Hospital on May 5th.
Governor of Queensland Celebrates Ataxia Telangiectasia Clinical Trial
The Ataxia Telangiectasia (A-T) clinic at the Wesley Research Institute recently received a visit from Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeanette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland.
New Insights to Understand the Neurobiology of COVID-19
In a groundbreaking collaboration, St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital, The University of Queensland, and John Hopkins University have joined forces to generate a digital pathology assessment of cellular COVID-19 neural tissue data.
Women in Medicine with Dr Shanthi Kanagarajah
Dr Shanthi Kanagarajah is a specialist geriatrician and general physician specialising in the health problems of older people and people who need specialist care. She is a visiting physician at the Wesley Hospital and also works at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and member of the board at Wesley Research Institute.
Advocates Event 2022
The Rosalie Martin Advocates Event 2022 held Thursday 8 December marks the 28th anniversary for Wesley Research Institute.
Navicare Press Release
NHMRC Funding to Continue Supporting Rural and Remote Mental Health Program