The University of Western Australia’s Professor Britta Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg has been awarded a prestigious Prime Minister’s Prize for Science for her life-changing research into reducing risks associated with anaesthesia for children, to make surgery and recovery safer.
A consultant anaesthetist at Perth Children’s Hospital and Chair of Paediatric Anaesthesia at UWA, Professor Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg last night received the Frank Fenner Prize for Life Sciences in the 2024 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science, held in Canberra.
She also co-leads the Perioperative Care Program and Perioperative Medicine Team at The Kids Research Institute Australia.
Each year in Australia, a quarter of a million children have surgery involving anaesthesia, with one in seven suffering breathing problems during surgery.
Professor Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg’s research has demonstrated links between family history, modifications in anaesthesia management and the occurrence of respiratory problems.
Image: Professor Britta Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg. Picture: Department of Industry, Science and Resources
This meant children at high risk of breathing problems could be identified during their pre-anaesthesia assessment, and anaesthesia management optimised so that vital operations were as safe and pain-free as possible.
She also helped advance doctors’ understanding and management of paediatric anaesthesia, including choosing the optimal the method of anaesthesia for the individual patient, and choice of airway device.
Her work has now been incorporated into international guidelines and has changed how anaesthesia for children is performed worldwide.
Professor Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg paid tribute to her colleagues in accepting the award.
“I truly feel this prize is not just for me – it's for my whole team, clinical and non-clinical, and all the work they do to care for our patients,” she said.
“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. 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.
“I started out as the only female paramedic in my town in Germany and I’m now one of a small number of female academics in my specialty. I feel very passionate about mentoring people from all walks of life and all genders, and giving them opportunities in our field.
“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.”
UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Amit Chakma said the University was extremely proud of Professor Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg.
“It is wonderful to see her outstanding achievements recognised on the national stage,” Professor Chakma said.
UWA Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Anna Nowak said Professor Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg was a global trailblazer in paediatric anaesthesiology.
“She leads a multidisciplinary team that is profoundly and positively transforming the experience for children, before, during and post-surgery,” Professor Nowak said.