Respiratory Diseases

With over two million people with asthma, Australia has one of the largest populations of asthma sufferers in the world. Research into respiratory diseases in the faculty yields crucial findings for improving asthma treatment and other lung diseases. Our research also seeks to improve lung function and quality of life for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); a chronic lung disease affecting one in seven Australians over the age of 40. Our clinical focus also covers a wide range of conditions such as allergic rhinitis, tuberculosis, and apnea and spans population groups such as children and the elderly.

Research Strengths

Members of the Respiratory Theme have a diverse range of skills and possesses a multidisciplinary outlook by bringing together experts in respiratory cell signalling, drug delivery and pharmaceutical technology with psychologists, clinical pharmacists, asthma educators and organisational behaviour experts.

The Respiratory Theme is committed improving lung health in Australia and world-wide by focusing on:

• Understanding the molecular basis of lung disease
• Discovering novel drug targets
• Advanced drug delivery
• Clinical services
• Specific clinical interventions
• Effective patient/health education
• Self-management techniques