Robinson Research Institute - Adelaide University

02/11/2026

💜Today is World Fertility Day💜
This matters, because the path to parenthood isn’t straightforward for 1 in 6 Australians. It can often be an isolating and lonely journey.

At Robinson Research Institute, fertility is an important part of our research into reproductive, maternal and early-life health.

Our researchers are working to change what the journey to parenthood can look like for those struggling, including 👇

💡Developing non-invasive, light-based imaging techniques to assess developmental potential of early embryos, helping embryologists make more informed decisions when transferring an embryo.

🧫Selecting the healthiest s***m with the highest potential, mimicking the way nature does it.

👶Looking at environmental factors that influence implantation, early embryo development and long-term health.

🤰Investigating the role of the immune system in establishing or preventing healthy pregnancy.

🦠 Uncovering the role of the vaginal microbiome in pregnancy success, miscarriages or pre-term birth.

📷 Speeding up non-invasive diagnosis of endometriosis – a chronic reproductive health condition impacting fertility troufh imaging and AI.

All this (and more!) is pursuing one goal: helping more people to parenthood with lowered mental and financial burden.

🎧To listen to Ella's full story, follow the link in comments

22/10/2026

Missed the Lloyd Cox Memorial Lecture last week? Or maybe you attended and would like to revisit the presentation?

In 'From New Zealand Beginnings to Better Beginnings: Advancing care for newborn infants', Professor Terrie Inder explored the remarkable development of the newborn brain.

Watch the recording 👉

15/10/2026

We were delighted to welcome 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝟏𝟐𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐱 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞, which brought together over 120 researchers, clinicians and members of the community last night.

In her talk, 𝘍𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘡𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘉𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘉𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘉𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴: 𝘈𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘯𝘦𝘸𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴, Professor Inder explored the remarkable development of the newborn brain. Conditions and exposures during pregnancy, as well as events like preterm birth, can influence the developing brain with life-long consequences. From preventing preterm birth and understanding the impacts of inflammation, maternal health and the placenta, to advances in therapeutic hypothermia and the importance of supporting parents, the lecture provided a fascinating snapshot of how research can translate into better beginnings and better lifelong outcomes.

Thanks to Professor Inder for sharing her expertise and insights, and to everyone who joined us for this special event honouring the enduring legacy of Professor Lloyd Cox.

09/10/2026

RRI member Professor Helen Marshall AM explains how the 'B Part of It' Study on the deadly Meningococcal B disease led to the world's first government-funded vaccination program targeting both infants and adolescents in South Australia.

The findings have since informed and influenced countries around the world to publicly fund vaccinations against Meningococcal B.

🎧 Listen in: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/radionational-breakfast/radio-national-breakfast-changing-australia-helen-marshall/107235550

30/09/2026

🔬 Research Group Spotlight: Maternal and Adolescent Health Equity

The Maternal and Adolescent Health Equity (MAHE) group is working to improve health and wellbeing for women, adolescents and families, with a strong focus on reducing health inequities.

The team’s research spans maternal, reproductive, newborn, child and adolescent health, exploring how evidence can be translated into better healthcare, services and policy - particularly for communities experiencing disadvantage or barriers to care. 💜

From improving s*xual and reproductive health to maternal and newborn outcomes, nutrition and adolescent wellbeing, the group is helping ensure research leads to meaningful change for people and communities.

Read more: https://adelaide.edu.au/research/robinson-research-institute/research-capabilities/maternal-and-adolescent-health-equity/

28/09/2026

🌟 Research recognition for Robinson Research Institute’s Yoshi Tan

Congratulations to Yoshi Tan whose review article, “Glucocorticoids in pregnancy: a master-switch for fetal maturation,” has been selected as Featured Article of the Week by Endocrine Reviews.

The review explores the critical role glucocorticoids play in preparing a baby’s organs, particularly the lungs, for life after birth.

Before birth, a natural surge in fetal glucocorticoids helps accelerate organ maturation. When a baby is born preterm, this important stage of development can be disrupted.

For pregnant people at risk of preterm birth, antenatal corticosteroids are currently the gold-standard treatment used to mimic this natural surge, helping mature the fetal lungs and significantly improving neonatal survival and respiratory outcomes.

However, not all babies respond to treatment in the same way.

Yoshi’s review highlights emerging evidence that factors including fetal s*x and fetal growth restriction may influence how babies respond to antenatal corticosteroids, while also examining the potential mechanisms behind these differences.

The research points to an important question: how can we better identify which babies are most likely to benefit from antenatal corticosteroids, while minimising potential risks?

Understanding these differences could ultimately help inform more individualised approaches to treatment for babies at risk of being born preterm.

A fantastic recognition of important research helping us better understand fetal development and improve outcomes for babies and families. Congratulations to all involved, including Kathy Gatford, Janna Morrison, Michael Stark.

Read the full article: https://academic.oup.com/edrv/article/47/5/666/8691253

25/09/2026

🔬 Research Group Spotlight: Cerebral Palsy

The Cerebral Palsy Research Group is changing our understanding of the causes of cerebral palsy (CP).

Through pioneering genomic research, the team has demonstrated an underlying genetic cause for at least 1 in 4 people with cerebral palsy — challenging the long-held assumption that CP is generally caused by trauma or lack of oxygen at birth. 🧬

Using genomics, multi-omics, and cell and animal models, researchers are working to uncover the genes and biological mechanisms involved in CP and related neurodevelopmental disorders.

The goal? To enable earlier, more accurate diagnosis and help make genomic testing a standard part of cerebral palsy care.

Read more: https://adelaide.edu.au/research/robinson-research-institute/research-capabilities/cerebral-palsy-research-group/

24/09/2026

Have you booked your spot? 🎟️

Join us for the 12th annual Lloyd Cox Memorial Lecture, featuring Professor Terrie Inder, MD, presenting on 'Advancing care for newborn infants'. 👶🧠

📅 Wednesday 14 October | 5:30pm–7:00pm
📍 AHMS Building, 4 North Terrace, Adelaide

The lecture will explore the developing newborn brain and the pathways that can lead to adverse neurological outcomes in both term and preterm infants. It will also highlight key scientific discoveries and therapeutic advances of the past two decades, and examine how these insights are shaping contemporary neonatal care and improving outcomes for newborns and their families. 🔬

The event is free and open to the public - registrations are essential. Secure your spot today:https://events.humanitix.com/lloyd-cox-memorial-lecture-advancing-care-for-newborn-infants

22/09/2026

What if one of the biggest assumptions about cerebral palsy was wrong?

Research led here in Adelaide has helped change the world’s understanding of cerebral palsy, challenging long-held beliefs about its causes and demonstrating the significant role genetics can play.

Now, that research continues at Robinson Research Institute, with the aim of improving diagnosis, intervention and quality of life for people with cerebral palsy.

Read the fascinating story behind Adelaide’s myth-busting science below. https://adelaide.edu.au/about/news/2026/how-adelaide-s-myth-busting-science-changed-cerebral-palsy/

21/09/2026

Are girls getting their periods earlier? And should parents be concerned?

It’s a question generating plenty of conversation, with some parents changing everything from lunchboxes to shampoos in an attempt to delay the onset of puberty.

But what does the science actually tell us?

Robinson Research Institute researchers Shae Maple and Jodie Avery explore the evidence in a new article for The Conversation, looking at when puberty typically begins, the factors that can influence timing, and whether there’s anything parents can - or should - do to delay a child’s first period.

Their message for families? Puberty happens at different times for everyone, and a first period is a normal biological process - not something children or parents need to fear.

Read the full article. 👇

Some parents, who are concerned about their daughters ‘growing up too early’, are trying to delay their child’s first period.