PERTH Children’s Hospital (PCH) will house the only international hub for a New York-based research program developing one-shot vaccines against major infectious diseases and cancers.
The Telethon Kids Institute will lead the paediatric component for the Human Vaccines Project, a global research program developing single vaccines to protect people against all strains of particular diseases.
Co-funded by the PCH Foundation, the project will focus on next-generation paediatric vaccines to be given early in life and provide lifelong protection with the aim of wiping out infectious diseases globally.
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READ NOWProfessor Tobi Kollmann, an international leader in paediatric infectious diseases, will move to Perth from Canada to establish the WA hub and also join PCH as a working doctor two days a week.
Health Minister Roger Cook said Telethon Kids Institute was an exceptional facility that had once again proven it’s a world leader in paediatric research, with local experts’ knowledge and expertise helping develop long-term solutions to treat and prevent everyday childhood diseases.
“WA is a world leader in medical research and our involvement in this new vaccine project recognises that position. The new paediatric research hub brings together prevention and innovation, two key components for improving health outcomes for all West Australians,” he said.
“Without the Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation and their key donors, this exciting and world-leading project would not be coming to WA.
“Attracting an expert of Professor Kollmann’s calibre is a major coup for Western Australia, not only will he conduct world-class research here, he’ll also be treating sick kids at the PCH.”
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