Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a common pregnancy complication where babies don't get enough oxygen and nutrients to thrive in the womb. My research investigates how this chronic oxygen shortage reprograms the fetal heart and cardiovascular system—both before birth and into adult life—to develop new, targeted therapies that can break this cycle of lifelong disease risk.
Areas of interest
Fetal growth restriction (FGR)
Research group
Perinatal Cardiovascular Physiology
Biography
Dr Beth Allison is a vascular physiologist specialising in developmental origins of cardiovascular disease. PhD (Monash, 2008) on preterm lung injury; postdoc at Cambridge (2010-13). Now heads the Perinatal Cardiovascular Physiology Group, using preclinical models to target FGR’s long-term effects. Globally recognised leader in FGR and perinatal cardiovascular research—ranked #1 worldwide for “Fetal Growth Restriction” and “Cardiovascular” (Scopus) and top 0.093% globally in FGR expertise (Expertscape).
Research Focus
My research investigates how chronic hypoxia and nutrient restriction in FGR reprogram the developing cardiovascular system, from gestation through the perinatal period and into young adulthood. Using large preclinical models, we’re uncovering the specific changes in heart structure and function that create lifelong disease risk.
My current priorities include redefining “brain-sparing” mechanisms, exploring FGR’s role in cardiac fibrosis, and harnessing signals from the stressed fetal heart to predict and prevent stillbirth. Ultimately, this work will guide targeted therapies to reduce the long-term burden of suboptimal pregnancies.
Key Achievements
- Awarded 13 competitive grants ($6.2M total); mentored more than 20 Honours and 10 PhD students
- Pfizer SRI President’s Presenter, SGI Giorgio Pardi President’s Award
- Thought leadership: Associate Editor Frontiers in Physiology; podcast guest The Hudcast
Publication highlights
