WA researchers awarded fellowships to tackle cystic fibrosis

Postgraduate Top-up Scholarships provide $15,000 per annum for up to 3 years to support PhD candidates undertaking research to improve the lives of people affected by Cystic Fibrosis.

Meet the recipients:

Talya Conradie, a PhD candidate at the Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre at The Kids Research Institute and the University of Western Australia, is investigating how microbial communities in the lungs influence susceptibility to viruses in children with cystic fibrosis. Her research also explores the impact of therapies like azithromycin on the virome and immune system, applying bioinformatics to improve patient outcomes.

Sarah Thomas, a Medical Scientist at PathWest Laboratory Medicine and PhD candidate at the University of Western Australia, brings over 15 years of experience in pharmacology and toxicology. Her work focuses on improving pharmacokinetic understanding of new medicines and translating laboratory methods into clinical applications to enhance patient care.

The FHRI Fund, Cystic Fibrosis WA and Conquer Cystic Fibrosis are excited to see the outcomes of this funding and to build WA’s capability for cystic fibrosis research.

Round 2 of the Stream 1: Postgraduate Top-Up Scholarships opens October 2025.

Find more information on the WA Cystic Fibrosis Research Collaborative Program | Cystic Fibrosis WA