Telethon Kids infectious diseases researcher named a WA Young Tall Poppy

Dr Christopher Blyth, Co-Director of the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases.

A Telethon Kids researcher focused on ensuring kids are protected from infectious diseases will be named among WA’s most outstanding young scientists at the upcoming 2021 Young Tall Poppy Science Awards.

Associate Professor Chris Blyth, who is the co-director of the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases is one of seven Western Australian Young Tall Poppy Scientist winners to be selected this year. The group will be formally recognised at the Young Tall Poppy Science Awards on 7 October.

The awards, held on a state-by-state basis to celebrate researchers across science, engineering and mathematics, are run by the Australian Institute of Policy and Science (AIPS) to honour up-and-coming scientists who combine world-class research with a passionate commitment to communicating science.

Associate Professor Blyth’s research explores childhood acute respiratory infections (ARI), evaluating who becomes infected and how, optimising ways to diagnose infection, designing and testing better ways to treat and prevent ARI, and developing better strategies to ensure treatments and prevention strategies reach those most in need.

“Flu and acute respiratory infections are highly preventable yet remain the leading cause of child death globally, and the most common reason children are hospitalised in Australia,” Dr Blyth said.

“Ensuring children have access to vaccination is key to keeping kids out of hospital. My research helped transform national influenza policy, leading to the inclusion of influenza vaccine in the National Immunisation Program for all young children. This vital change will now protect more than 1 million children from influenza and life-threatening complications each year.

“In parallel with the changes to national and international policy, we’re partnering with community, helping them to understand infectious diseases, so they engage positively with policies and practice when implemented.”

Telethon Kids Institute Director, Professor Jonathan Carapetis, said Associate Professor Blyth’s research program provided unique insights into key aspects of infectious diseases and immunisation, with his findings widely sought-after nationally and internationally by policymakers and practitioners.

“Chris’s research has directly impacted child health. His research and advocacy were central to the introduction of the influenza vaccine on the National Immunisation Program. His passion and research continue to impact policy, providing critical advice to government and leading research analysing community perception around vaccines including COVID-19 vaccines,” Professor Carapetis said.

AIPS Chair Professor Maria Kavallaris OAM said a more scientifically engaged society was something every scientist should aspire to and the reason that Tall Poppy winners were so important.

“These Tall Poppies are excellent examples of the cutting-edge research being undertaken here in Western Australia,” Professor Kavallaris said.

“They also become role models by working with the education and community sectors to encourage greater engagement in science.”