Hudson News Summer 2025: Director’s message
Reviewed by Professor Elizabeth Hartland AM
As we approach the end of the year, I continue to be inspired by our dedicated researchers who continue to push the boundaries of discovery, translating science into hope for patients and families.
In this issue
- A tiny baby, a big fight for life
- Tiny patients. Big breakthroughs
- Uncovering a whole new world inside the gut
- Walking for Cade – a community united in hope
In this edition of Hudson News, you’ll meet baby Elias, born preterm at just 22 weeks and 5 days. Thanks to medical research, Elias is now thriving after 140 days in hospital with no long-term health complications. His family’s story highlights the vulnerability of preterm babies and is a real-world example of how discovery science and its translation to patients can change outcomes.
Our work in newborn health is deepening our understanding of how early-life inflammation shapes long-term health. Our teams have shown that inflammation before birth can cause lasting harm to the developing brain, reinforcing the urgent need for new interventions to protect babies born too early.
Dr Rob Galinsky, who leads our Perinatal Inflammation and Neurophysiology group, has identified specific infections during pregnancy that can damage the fetal brain, which provides valuable insight into the best care for babies like Elias.
This year has brought other remarkable advances across our Institute. Associate Professor Sam Forster and colleagues uncovered hundreds of previously unknown viruses that infect the bacteria in the human gut, opening new possibilities for engineering the human microbiome to create living biotherapeutics.
And in the fight against childhood cancer, our scientists are pioneering antibody-based approaches to treat paediatric glioma, one of the most devastating brain cancers. With new funding secured, this research brings us closer to therapies that could change the trajectory of these young lives.
These achievements reflect the breadth of Hudson Institute’s mission: from discovery science to clinical translation, from the earliest moments of life to the challenges of chronic disease. None of this progress would be possible without the dedication of our researchers, the commitment of our partners, and the generosity of our supporters.
As summer approaches, we look ahead with optimism. The discoveries we make today are the foundation of tomorrow’s cures. With your continued support, we will keep working to turn fragile beginnings into brighter futures for more children like Elias.
Thank you for your support this year. I wish you a joyful festive season and a bright new year.
With gratitude,
Professor Elizabeth Hartland AM
Director and CEO
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In this issue of Hudson News Summer 2025
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