The Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation is incredibly proud to announce that Dr Anya Arthurs has received the prestigious MS McLeod Early Career Research Award. Her groundbreaking research focuses on one of the most heartbreaking experiences a family can face, stillbirth. Through her dedication and compassion, this research is taking vital steps toward keeping more babies safe and giving families the healthy futures they deserve.

Every year, around 2,300 Australian families experience the devastating loss of a baby to stillbirth. In many cases, the cause remains unknown, leaving families without answers.

“Stillbirth is a really traumatic experience, and it’s so important that we find ways to diagnose problems before they happen, especially since there’s been no change in the rate of stillbirth for decades,” Dr Arthurs shared.

One possible reason for this tragic outcome is that the placenta, the essential organ that supplies oxygen and nutrients to a baby during pregnancy, can age too early. When this happens, it stops working properly, which puts the baby at significant risk.

Dr Arthurs and her team have identified an important clue. In some pregnancies, molecules build up in the placenta as it ages, and the body struggles to break them down. Over time, these molecules can damage cells and disrupt normal placental function.

To help address this, Dr Arthurs’ research project will focus on two main areas:

  • Develop an early warning blood test: The team will study samples from more than 500 pregnancies to identify reliable signs of placental ageing. The goal is to develop a simple blood test that could warn doctors when a pregnancy needs extra care and monitoring.
  • Explore potential treatments: Researchers will use tiny, lab-grown placenta models to test treatments that might slow the ageing process in placental cells.

Reflecting on this recognition, she said, “I was just really honoured to have this opportunity. It was an absolute dream come true.”

This vital research is funded through the MS McLeod Research Fund, a memorial fund established to support the advancement of research in paediatrics and child health. The Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation proudly manages and administers this fund alongside a dedicated group of Trustees, including prominent South Australian researchers and clinicians.

We are relentless in our pursuit of the best health care and support services for children and their families. By supporting brilliant researchers like Dr Anya Arthurs, we are working hand in hand to make pregnancy safer, prevent stillbirths, and ensure every child and family has every chance.