A world-leading paediatric anaesthetist has been recognised with a prestigious award for her life-changing research that makes surgery and recovery safer for children by reducing the risks associated with anaesthesia.

Professor Britta Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg AM FAHMS, a consultant anaesthetist at Perth Children’s Hospital and Chair of Paediatric Anaesthesia and the Director of the Institute for Paediatric Perioperative Excellence at The University of Western Australia, has been awarded the 2025 Jian Zhou Medal by the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences.

Professor Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg’s research has demonstrated links between family history, modifications in anaesthesia management and the occurrence of respiratory problems.

She has helped advance doctors’ understanding and management of paediatric anaesthesia, including choosing the optimal method of anaesthesia for individual patients and choice of airway device.

“I am honoured and humbled to be recognised, but this award is not just for me, it’s for my entire team,” Professor Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg said.

“It is exciting to see paediatric anaesthesia being recognised – we are a small but critical medical specialty that cares for some of the most vulnerable patients.

“I was drawn to working in this area with children and families and saw the potential to make a real and lasting impact in a critical area that has often been neglected in terms of research.”

UWA Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Anna Nowak said Professor Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg’s research had helped children and families in Australia and around the world.

“Her trail-blazing research in paediatric perioperative care has transformed clinical practices and improved outcomes for the patients and their families,” Professor Nowak said.

“The multidisciplinary team she leads and the mentorship she has provided has been invaluable for shaping the future and long-term health of children all the way into adulthood.”

Professor Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg received the Frank Fenner Prize for Life Sciences in the 2024 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science and leads the Perioperative Medicine Team at The Kids Research Institute Australia.

The late Dr Jian Zhou was a molecular biologist and virologist who, with Professor Ian Frazer, developed and patented the technology underpinning the Gardasil and Cervarix vaccines, which protect against viruses that cause cervical cancer.

The Jian Zhou Medal is awarded to a rising star of Australian health and medical science, in recognition of Dr Zhou who made such a significant contribution so early in his career.

Professor Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg  will be presented with the award at the Academy’s annual gala dinner on Wednesday 29 October in Canberra.