Monash fellowship enables further research to reduce the burden of preterm brain injury

Dr Vanesa Stojanovska

Dr Vanesa Stojanovska was recently awarded a Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences’ 2018 Bridging Postdoctoral Fellowship—the only recipient in the School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health (SCS).

Dr Stojanovska, a postdoctoral scientist in The Ritchie Centre and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, received the $30,000 fellowship to continue her research into preterm brain injury.

“Preterm babies exposed to inflammation during pregnancy have a high incidence of breathing difficulties and brain injury, which often lead to cerebral palsy,” Dr Stojanovska said.

“My research investigates whether inflammation injures the fetal brainstem—a life-sustaining brain region which controls our breathing—and whether anti-inflammatory treatments can protect against this injury.”

The outcomes of Dr Stojanovska’s work will guide clinical trials focused on reducing the burden of preterm brain injury.

Dr Stojanovska said the Fellowship is very important as it allows her to continue this essential research in a world-leading institute.

“I would like to thank Monash University for this incredible award, and also my supervisor Associate Professor Graeme Polglase for his guidance and support,” Dr Stojanovska said.