Thousands of individuals struggling to conceive will be the beneficiaries of a generous $1.6m donation that will boost infertility research at the Women’s. The new Moyna Fox Fertility Research Centre will explore why some people struggle to become parents and undertake research into possible treatments and interventions.
The new Centre was created in partnership with the Stafford Fox Medical Research Foundation. Their investment for the next three years will give hope to those wishing to become parents.
Infertility is a painful, personal experience. It affects millions of individuals and couples worldwide.
In the past 50 years, the Women’s has pioneered fertility research and treatments.
The Women’s Chief Executive, Professor Sue Matthews, says that despite the progress achieved, many causes of infertility remain unexplained.
“Unexplained infertility is one of the most frustrating diagnoses a patient can receive. They’re told there’s no identifiable reason, yet they still can’t conceive."
"We hope to unlock the biology behind these cases. Then, we can develop new treatments that will finally provide answers," she said.
“We’re excited to begin new research projects that will ultimately help more couples conceive.”
Stafford Fox Medical Research Foundation Trustee Anne-Marie Gasbarro said the Women’s was the ideal partner to drive innovation in this field.
"The Women's has a global reputation for its fertility research," Ms. Gasbarro says.
“It’s no coincidence that they pioneered Australia’s first IVF service with the birth of Australia’s first IVF baby, Candice Reed.”
“The list of their achievements is long, ranging from alleviating the fertility challenges faced by those with endometriosis, through to establishing and leading Australia’s first public fertility service,” said Ms Gasbarro.
“We are excited to see what else this talented team of researchers will achieve.”
The Moyna Fox Fertility Research Centre at the Women’s will focus on uncovering the causes of infertility and creating the treatments to overcome them, for example by optimising fertility treatments to improve IVF success rates and investigating the role of the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) in unsuccessful pregnancies.
The Stafford Fox Medical Research Foundation was established in 2013 following the death of Moyna Fox. The Foundation was named in memory of her late husband, James Stafford Fox, a self-made businessman.
The couple didn’t have any children. Both Moyna and Stafford Fox understood the power of philanthropy. Their combined wealth now supports medical research in public hospitals and universities within Australia.
A huge thank you to the Stafford Fox Medical Research Foundation for supporting the Women’s – and the countless families benefitting from this crucial research.
Learn more about the Moyna Fox Fertility Research Centre.