Maternal and Perinatal Translation and Innovative Care

Experts
Evidence & Translation

Improving outcomes for women and babies, both during and after complicated pregnancies.

Translating new diagnostics and therapeutics from the laboratory into clinical practice, with a focus on disorders of placentation such as preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. We also use cutting-edge clinical trials, digital health innovation and implementation science to deliver more personalised, equitable, and evidence-based pregnancy care.

Our team focuses on maternal and perinatal translational research – bridging the gap between discovery science and real-world clinical benefit. We have a particular focus on placental disorders, including preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction (FGR), which are among the most serious complications of pregnancy and leading causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Our work spans from understanding the pathophysiology of these disorders to developing new diagnostic tests, evaluating promising therapeutics, and improving how care is delivered to pregnant women.

We are currently leading several significant clinical trials. Most notably, the PROTECT Me trial – a world-first large, international, multicentre clinical trial examining the use of melatonin for fetal neuroprotection in pregnancies complicated by early-onset fetal growth restriction. Building on this translational pipeline, we are also progressing new therapeutic agents targeting preeclampsia and birth asphyxia. In parallel, our Enhanced Pregnancy Care program is exploring how digital health tool can improve risk prediction, personalise care, and enhance outcomes for pregnant women.

We work in close collaboration with national and international partners including researchers at The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, the IMPACT (Interdisciplinary Maternal and Perinatal Australasian Clinical Trials) network, and other leading obstetric teams across Australia and New Zealand. 

Implementation & Impact

Our research has produced significant evidence to reshape clinical practice in pregnancy care. Prof Palmer led the implementation of telehealth in pregnancy care during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating how digital tools can enhance access and equity for pregnant women across metropolitan and regional settings. Our diagnostic and prognostic work on biomarkers for preeclampsia is informing updated clinical guidelines for identifying and managing women at highest risk.

The clinical trial program, anchored by the PROTECT Me melatonin trial, has the potential to change the standard of care for babies affected by fetal growth restriction – a condition with no treatment options currently available. Through national co-leadership of the IMPACT network, we are also improving the efficiency and reach of perinatal clinical trials across Australia and New Zealand, meaning more pregnant women can access cutting-edge care sooner. Our work directly benefits women, babies, and families across Victoria and nationally, with a strong commitment to reducing inequities in access to high-quality pregnancy care.

Current projects and partners
  • PROTECT Me Trial – antenatal melatonin for fetal neuroprotection in early-onset fetal growth restriction
  • Preeclampsia therapeutics – translating novel treatments from bench to bedside
  • Birth asphyxia – new therapeutic approaches to minimise adverse perinatal outcomes
  • Emerald Study (120-HG-201) – assessing a new therapeutic to treat hyperemesis gravidarum (HG)
  • Enhanced Pregnancy Care Program – transforming digital health service for personalised antenatal care
  • Biomarker research – improving diagnosis and risk prediction for preeclampsia
  • Cardiovascular risk surveillance – long-term follow-up of women following hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

We gratefully acknowledge the funding given to our group by the following groups:

    • MRFF
    • NHMRC