Video credit: Department of Industry, Science and Resources
Congratulations to trailblazing Western Australian paediatric anaesthetist and researcher Professor Britta Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg, who has been awarded a prestigious Prime Minister’s Prize for Science for globally influential research that has made surgery and recovery safer for babies and children.
Professor Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg last night received the Frank Fenner Prize for Life Sciences at the 2024 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science, held in Canberra, in recognition of her achievements in reducing the risks associated with paediatric anaesthesia.
Professor Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg is co-lead of the Perioperative Care Program and the head of the Perioperative Medicine Team at The Kids Research Institute Australia, Foundation Chair of Paediatric Anaesthesia at The University of Western Australia, and a consultant anaesthetist at Perth Children’s Hospital.
Professor Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg – who, with her team, has the most active paediatric anaesthesia research program in Australia – has led a series of trials which have changed how anaesthesia for children is performed worldwide.
Each year in Australia, a quarter of a million children have surgery involving anaesthesia, with one in seven suffering breathing problems during surgery – rising to one in three for babies.
Among other achievements, Professor Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg’s research findings on breathing complications during and after anaesthesia have been implemented in WA and internationally, leading to a continuous decline in complications.
Her work has been incorporated into international guidelines, with many of her discoveries now embedded in routine anaesthesia practice. She has helped advance doctors’ understanding and management of paediatric anaesthesia, including choosing the optimal method of anaesthesia for the individual patient, and choice of airway device.
In accepting the prize, Professor Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg said the award was not just for her, but her whole team – clinical and non-clinical.
“The reason we can translate our work so easily into clinical practice is because we work together as a group, including with our patients and their families,” Professor Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg said.
“Our research is not just about children and for children, but is co-designed with children and by children and families.
We know that the experiences we have as a child in healthcare, and particularly surgery, can shape not only the now but also the future and the long term and health as an adult. If a child needs a vital operation, my aim is for this surgery to be as safe and comfortable for the child as possible.
Professor Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg said she had started out as the only female paramedic in her town in Germany and was now one of a small number of female academics in her specialty.
“I feel very passionate about mentoring people from all walks of life and all genders, and giving them opportunities in our field,” she said.
“We look after some of the most vulnerable patients in Australia, so it’s fantastic for people to hear about all we do in paediatric perioperative care. I hope it will encourage more people to become interested in the specialty.”
The Kids Research Institute Australia Deputy Director, Professor Catherine Elliott, said Professor Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg was a shining example of the potential of research to improve the health and wellbeing of children and families.
“Professor Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg’s dedication to making paediatric anaesthesia a safer, more comfortable experience for babies and children by combining her clinical and research expertise, backed by advocacy and regular community engagement, is not only inspiring but has been profoundly impactful on a global scale,” Professor Elliott said.
“Her research has been incorporated into international guidelines and has changed the way anaesthetists across the world approach the perioperative care of babies and children.
“In addition, as the first and only Chair of Paediatric Anaesthesia in Australasia and a woman who has risen to the top of her profession, she is an inspiration and mentor to clinicians and researchers everywhere.”
About the Prime Minister’s Science Prizes
The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science, awarded annually, are Australia’s most prestigious and highly regarded science awards. They celebrate demonstrated achievements in scientific research, research-based innovation, and excellence in science teaching.
The prizes recognise the achievements and success of Australian scientists and innovators, and the benefits of their work to Australia and the rest of the world.
The Frank Fenner Prize for Life Scientist of the Year is awarded for an exceptional achievement in life science that benefits, or has the potential to benefit, human welfare or society.
For more on the Prizes and this year’s winners, see Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science 2024 | Department of Industry Science and Resources.